by Angie Pollock

Created on: April 13, 2010

On April 22nd, the millions of people across the US will celebrate Earth Day.  Created in 1970, the 40th anniversary of the holiday will be celebrated in 2010.  In honor of Earth Day, the Environmental Protection Agency is asking all Americans to pledge to five actions that will help safeguard the future of the environment.  Even kids can commit to helping the environment with educational and fun Earth Day activities.

Recycling

The simple task of recycling is an important part of the earth’s future.  Teaching children about recycling is a great activity to celebrate Earth Day.  Activities can include teaching children about the different items that can be recycled and how these items are used after they are recycled.

A craft project can be made from recycled materials like the “Recycled Robot”.  Each part of the child’s robot needs to be made from recycled materials.  A cardboard box is the body, cans can be the robot’s legs, and the head can be made from a ball of aluminum foil.  Be creative with the robot’s accents like using milk carton lids for the eyes.

Donation instead of Dumping

Many items we no longer need are thrown in the trash which in turn, ends up in our landfills.  Collect items that you no longer need that might get thrown away and donate them to a local charity or thrift store.  Donating unwanted items is another form of recycling and teaches children the importance of not throwing everything into the trash.

Appreciation

In order to appreciate what Earth Day represents, children need to explore their earth and look for other ways to protect their futures.  A nature hike is a great way to get children outdoors.  But to help children appreciate the earth, take trash bags along with you on your hike.  While you are walking, pickup discarded trash.  This Earth Day activity for kids teaches them to not throw things on the ground especially when they discover how much trash they have collected.

A word of caution for cleanup hikes – teach children beforehand what they should and should not pickup.  Unfortunately, children may come upon hazardous waste so they should be supervised closely.

Invest in the Future

After children have learned about recycling and explored their wonderful earth, they can then learn how to invest in a greener future.  A small afternoon project can include planting a tree or you can go on a grander scale and plant a flower garden. 

To broaden children’s imagination and express the importance of Earth Day, there are many books available for young minds about Earth Day.  Reading, exploring, and hands-on crafts are all great Earth Day activities for kids.

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