Earth Day
Earth Day, which was established in 1970 in the US, is celebrated on 22nd April each year. It is a day to think about our planet and what we can do to keep it special; to think about saving water and energy, reducing pollution, recycling, protecting our animals, trees and plants, and generally getting kids interested in protecting their environment.
"Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children.
Kenyan proverb
Here are some quick ideas for celebrating Earth Day with your children:
- Plant a tree
- Go for a bike ride or a long walk (leave the car behind)
- Hold a nature "scavenger hunt" (send the kids out into the garden or park in teams to collect - or spot - various items on a list you provide - we have some scavenger hunt printables you can use here!)
- Print out some of our posters and place in strategic positions around the house. Talk about saving water when brushing teeth and saving energy by turning off the lights when you leave a room
- Bake your favourite cookie or biscuit recipe and let the kids decorate with icing to look like the planet earth
- Gather family and friends together and combine a picnic or other excursion with a litter clean-up
- Set up a recycling centre in your home or school
- Look through your shelves and find some books to give away via your local charity shop or library
- Delve into your craft cupboard and tackle a recycling craft for fun!
Explore our Earth Day Activities for Children
Also Useful for Earth Day...
I Am The Earth
I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.
Each blade of grass,
Each honey tree,
Each bit of mud,
And stick and stone
Is blood and muscle,
Skin and bone.
And just as I
Need every bit
Of me to make
My body fit,
So Earth needs
Grass and stone and tree
And things that grow here
Naturally.
That's why we
Celebrate this day.
That's why across
The world we say:
As long as life,
Is dear, is free,
I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.
Jane Yolen
