When is Earth Day? We’ve been celebrating it on April 22 in the United States since 1970, and the UN designated April 22 “International Mother Earth Day” in 2009. The holiday (sometimes stretched into a week-long Earth Week) is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year.
But really, we hope that one holiday isn’t necessary to raise awareness of our responsibility to the Earth. Be mindful of little things you can do every day to be kind to the environment. Here are some reminders and craft ideas to help you celebrate Earth Day. Your reward is knowing that our planet will be around for our kids’ kids, too.
Earth Day offers a great opportunity for families to take care of the Earth together.
"Kids and adults are out of touch with nature," says Cherie Ingraham, founder of the Chuckie Goodnight Foundation for the Environment in Brewster, NY, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing environmental education for children and preserving green space.
Ingraham recommends that families try to make every day Earth Day, and to recycle everything they can, even if it requires some imaginative thinking: "Think about the things you can do every day in your life to make a difference." With that goal in mind, Ingraham has some entertaining activities and crafts to get you and your family thinking green this Earth Day, including a recycling station, a container garden, recycled picture frames and more.
As a parent, how can you grow an appreciation and awareness of nature in your children? We have 14 ideas for everyday activities and conversations you can share with your little ones to start them thinking--and acting--greener than ever.
