16 ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES INSPIRED BY DR. SEUSS

Dr. Seuss’s prescient 1971 kids’ book The Lorax is a whimsical tale with a powerful message about conservation and caring.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House have partnered to sponsor The Lorax Project to raise awareness of environmental issues and inspire earth-friendly action by kids of all ages—check out what you can do (and find cool free downloads) at theloraxproject.com.

Here are 16 ideas specifically for kids to help the environment and to learn about making the world a cleaner, greener place, courtesy The Lorax Project.

1. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
2. Don't leave the refrigerator door open for very long.
3. Use both sides of every sheet of paper.
4. Never litter and pick up trash, even if it's not yours.
5. Use a cloth towel to dry your hands instead of paper towels.
6. Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. Save water!
7. At home, recycle everything you can, including newspapers, cans, glass and plastic. Look for the recycle symbol. You will be surprised how many things can be used again and again.
8. Think before you toss something out. Reuse cartons, containers and bags. Be creative and use your imagination on how you can use today's bash for tomorrow's project.
9. Consume less. Don't take two when one will do.
10. Stamp out Styrofoam. Foam is permanent garbage and a danger to sea animals. Avoid foam products like fast food cartons, picnic plates, cups and even egg cartons.
11. Be a leak detective. If you see running water or a leaky tap, report it so it can be fixed and water is not wasted.
12. Ask your parents to bring their own reusable bags to the grocery store.
13. Take a shower instead of a bath. The quicker you are the better it is.
14. Share outgrown clothes and toys with family and friends. Sharing a loved toy or sweater can be just as nice as something new.
15. Enjoy and appreciate nature. Support your local parks and go outside!
16. For more ways to help, check out books on conservation and the environment at your local library.

For a quotation from The Lorax and more, check out The Best of the Rest of the Web, our selection of thought-provoking, laugh-inducing, or just plain interesting thoughts from the web and the world of parenting.