by Chandra Janean

Created on: April 16, 2008   Last Updated: April 17, 2008

What better time of year to introduce our children, friends and relatives to activities that make our world a better place than Earth Day! There are so many options ranging from organized activities held by various non-profits, to local community groups and school outreach programs held during the month of April. Earth Day is a global day of recognition of our planet and the amazing life upon it. It is also a time to celebrate the energy and devotion of all the people who foster our environment, and the living systems that sustain life on earth. Spring brings renewal and rebirth, and Earth Day presents a venue for exploration and recognition of the interconnectedness of all activities occurring on our amazing blue planet!

Some may want to plant a tree, or a garden to create habitat for insects, birds, mammals, and soil systems. Children love to play in the dirt, and Earth Day offers a wonderful opportunity to teach children about soil science and gardening on a very basic level. Let your little boys find worms and your little girls plant flowers! Not that boys only like worms and girls like flowers, but most will agree that there is an affinity of boys to bugs and creepy crawlies and girls to sweet, flowery delights. Harness these affinities and turn them into a fun and educational experience of connecting with the earth.

If you don't have space for a garden or to plant a tree, look into your local community resources to find a group activity. See Earth Day as an opportunity to connect with your family and community, involve all age groups... grandparents and children, friends and neighbors. We all have a stake in the health of our earth, and every act, no matter how large or small has a ripple effect in the world around us. Clean up a beach, river or park in your neighborhood. This requires nothing more than some bags and your time. We all should be willing to do this throughout the year, but our busy lives make it hard to remember how good it feels to contribute to the beauty of our surroundings.

For teens or co-workers activities like advocacy, and educating ourselves about environmental issues can be very rewarding. Write a letter to your government or develop a deeper understanding about the pressures being placed upon species and habitats that are in decline. Set a goal, such as a letter writing team that will gather a target number of letters on a specific issue and present them to the government or corporation that is impacting the issue you have defined.

The Internet offers a wealth of environmental resources and networking sites that present opportunities for Earth Day activities. Think global act local, act global think local. Rejoice in our earth mother and give back to the energy that sustains all life. Most of all...HAVE A HAPPY EARTH DAY 2008!

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