Earth Day: Read, Reuse and Recycle

Michael Barrett  //  Apr 22, 2014

Earth Day: Read, Reuse and Recycle

Happy Earth Day, everyone.

Today is a perfect opportunity for parents, teachers and other role models to show how kids can make every day Earth Day through green living.

I am extremely passionate about educating children about the environment, climate change and conservation. Be a “green” role model by using these handy Earth Day resources and tips for the next generation of eco-friendly citizens.

  1. CREATE, BUT DON’T WASTE:  This is perfect for younger children. Parents and teachers have numerous options for eco-friendly crafting activities that not only engage children, but also teach them a lesson about creating a smaller eco-footprint in their daily activities.
  2. EXPLAIN AND EDUCATE: Climate change can seem a bit daunting, and sometimes scary, to children when they see news surrounding this global issue. Take time to educate them. Look to books such as The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge or Buried Sunlight. These books provide an explanation that matches the child’s comprehension level.  Talk about it afterwards so they can think critically about eco-conscious solutions.
  3. LOOK TO CELEBS: This works especially well for preteens and teens. This age group looks to their idols and peers for social causes. Check out to see how celebrities are celebrating our planet today and what organizations they support ranging from wildlife protection to rainforest conservation to pollution awareness campaigns and more.

What are some tips that worked well in your home or classroom to keep kids thinking “green” all year long?

Scholastic