Earth Day should be every day, especially if we do our part and live sustainably!

 

These simple projects are a great way for children to learn how cutting back on waste helps the Earth!

 

Taking the necessary steps to protect the Earth is an important cause that we all must be active participants in!

 

 

What is the history behind Earth Day?

Before the first Earth Day started back in 1970, the world had experienced decades of air, water, and environmental pollution. Up until that point, people did not think of the consequences of their actions when it came to using leaded gas in their cars, factories releasing smoke and smudge into the air, and how this all would effect our environment and the living beings in it (including us!)

The enacting of Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of other first of their kind environmental laws, including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act. It also lead to Congress passing the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. These laws have protected millions of men, women and children from disease and death and have protected hundreds of species from extinction.

 

 

The 3 R’s of Earth Day

There are 3 main aspects of Earth Day. Although Earth Day is just one day out of the year, it is important for us all to follow the 3 R’s everyday, not just on Earth Day!

The 3 R’s are:

Recycle means to turn something old into something new and useful. You would be amazed at all the goods that can be made from recyclable items.

Ways to recycle:

If you have to use any of these items, you can help the Earth by doing your part and recycling them.

• save cans, plastic bottles, newspapers, cardboard and take them to recycling centers in your area

 

Reduce means to cut back on the amount of trash that we send to the landfills. The landfills fill up quickly, and waste breakdown takes time. We have to start doing our part to help reduce the amount of trash we send to landfills.

Ways to reduce:

• start a composting bin
• use reusable bags at the store(this one is good for reduce and reuse)
• do not use plastic water bottles

 

Related post: Make super easy DIY Rainbow Crayons

 

Reuse means to find new ways to use things that we would otherwise throw away. Get creative and think about different ways that your current items could be reused!

Ways to reuse:

• have a garage sale
• reuse old bottles for food storage or drinking cups
• donate your outgrown clothes and toys you no longer play with

 

5 sustainable Earth Day projects children can make using items you already have

 

 

1. Pine cone bird feeders

This simple 2 ingredient bird feeder is a great way to help the living beings in the environment!

Supplies needed:

• pine cones
• peanut butter
• bird seed
• string

 

How to steps:

1. Using a spoon or butter knife, spread a generous amount of peanut butter onto the pine cone.
2. Place the bird see in a container, and have your child sprinkle bird seed on it until the peanut butter is completely covered with bird seed.
3. Tie the string onto the middle or on the end of the pine cone, then hang outside and wait for your bird friends to visit!

 

2. Making paper

Making recycled paper from paper is what recycling is all about! Taking old paper, and making it into new paper!

Supplies needed:

• old papers, receipts, etc.
• water
• blender
• large bowl
• old screen
• cookie sheet

 

How to steps:

1. Have your child tear up the paper into small pieces.
2. Place it in the large bowl, cover with water and let soak from two to twenty four hours.
3. Have your child place some of the soaked paper into the blender.
4. Have them pour in some of the water as well.
5. PARENT: Blend the mixture until it is has a smooth, pulp texture.
6. Place the old screen onto the cookie sheet.
7. Have your child press the pulp flat onto to the screen into a rectangle shape.
8. Make sure to flatten out and remove excess water.
9. Let the paper dry for twelve to twenty four hours.
10. Once completely dry, your child can use their new paper!

This paper project from Scholastic is fun too!

 

 

3. Egg shell seed starter

Egg shells are great to use for seed starters, since they breakdown well once in the ground! This project is a great demonstration of how some; not all, waste breaks down.

Supplies needed:

• egg shells
• soil
• choice of seeds
• empty egg carton
• spray bottle

 

How to steps:

1. PARENT: Gather your egg shells and wash them out in warm, soapy water.
2. Have your child place each egg shell into the empty egg carton.
3. Your child can fill each egg shell with soil, and place two to three seeds into each one.
4. Then have your child cover the seeds with a bit more top soil.
5. Water using a spray bottle.
6. Set in a place where they will get some sun.
7. Occasionally have your child spray their seedlings.
8. Once they sprout, help your child transfer them to their new space in your garden!

 

Related post: 4 no hassle, ecofriendly products that all families must have

 

4. Recycled rainbow crayons

Recycling crayons is one of my favorite projects! They are so fun, and are another great way to show how to make something new out of something headed for the trash!

Supplies needed:

• broken crayons
• muffin tin

How to steps:

1. Have your child take off any paper still on the crayons. This is a FANTASTIC fine motor activity!
2. If any of the crayons are still pretty large, have your child break them up into smaller pieces.
3. Start places various colors of crayons into the muffin tin. The more colorful, the better!
4. Don’t forget to add colors like white and black in as well!
5. PARENT: Bake the crayons at three hundred and fifty degrees for about ten minutes, or until the crayons are completely melted.
6. PARENT: Remove from oven and let cool for around thirty minutes to an hour.
7. Pop out your crayons, and enjoy making colorful, rainbow creations! (Parents…you may need to use a knife to loosen the crayons a bit)

 

5. Glass jar vases

Reusing old glass jars for vases is a great way to not only reuse old jars, but to reduce the amount that go to the landfill and also recycle them for a new purpose!

Supplies needed:

• old glass jars (spaghetti sauce, pickles, Snapple, olive, etc.)
• school glue
• different colors of tissue paper
• paintbrush
• scissors
• bowl
• flowers (real or artificial)

How to steps:

1. PARENT: cut up the tissue paper in random sizes and shapes.
2. Put some glue into a small bowl and add a small amount of water.
3. Have your child choose tissue paper pieces, and glue them to their jar.
4. They will want to paint over each piece of tissue paper completely with glue.
5. Have them layer different colors and sizes of tissue paper, making sure to cover the glass surface completely.
6. Once they are done, if needed, go back and glue down any edges that may be sticking up.
7. Allow to dry for about four to six hours.
8. Once dry, you can use your newly created vase to display your flowers beautifully!

 

Related post: 5 fun & easy activities to keep your children busy all Summer!

 

What to take from this

The most important takeaway from this is to teach your child the significance of Earth Day, and how their impact is needed and matters! Introducing them to the 3 R’s at an early age will hopefully instill practices and routines that they will continue on in their adulthood! Remember…Earth Day is EVERY day!

 

 

Don’t forget to…

Reduce,

Reuse,

Recycle!

Anitra J.