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Happy Earth Day! I'm not exactly a "hippie" or "tree hugger" but I do think we have a responsibility to take good care of our planet and to teach our children ways to do the same. Our planet gives us SO much and we should be grateful for that. Even more, we should do our part to reduce our waste, protect the environment, and respect the life around us. Even the youngest children can do things to help take care of the earth! Here are 8 fun ways to teach kids about caring for our planet…
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- Go on a scavenger hunt… for trash! I actually think kiddos would get a kick out of this one. Give everyone a pair of gloves and a bag and send them off to find as much litter as they can. You could even turn it into a game! He who finds the most trash, WINS! It's an easy way to clean up a street or park and you can talk about why you don't just throw trash on the ground.
- Visit the farmer's market. This is a fun weekly outing for my crew, and I'm sure your kids would enjoy it. Go and meet your local growers. Show your kids what kinds of vegetables and fruits are grown in your area. Taste test some local produce!
- Have a movie night. Family movie night is always a hit at our house, and one of our favorite movies to watch together is The Lorax. It's a great family movie about the importance of protecting our environment and taking care of the earth.
- Plant something. Whether you have an acre or a tiny clay pot, growing something is a great way to teach kids about taking care of the earth. Your kiddos will be so excited to watch their seeds turn into something more.
- Take it outside. Whatever you like to do with your kids, try doing it outdoors. Work on an art project. Play a board game. A change of scenery can be a great inspiration for little minds. The more time spend in nature, the greater appreciation you'll have for it.
- Turn off the lights. Give your children the responsibility of turning off the lights when they leave a room. Even young toddlers are good and being aware of when you leave a light on. It's a great way to have a conversation about saving and conserving energy when you're not using it.
- Donate! Instead of throwing your old clothes and toys in the trash, organize a donation. Little ones will love boxing up their things and donating them to a local shelter or thrift store, knowing that they will get more use from someone new.
- Upcycle! Another great way to reduce waste and teach little ones about "stuff" is to reuse and upcycle. With a few simple Google searches, you can find amazing upcycled toys, clothes, and more.
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Image via Lacy Stroessner
