Five Earth Day Activities To Energize Young Ecologists
It’s never too early to teach children about environmental issues. In fact, some might argue it’d be a crime not to prepare children for the pressing ecological challenges awaiting them. From pollution and deforestation to global warming and endangered animals, there’s a great deal the next generation of environmentalists will have to contend with.
Thankfully, it appears young people have a keen interest in environmental issues. Recent Gallup polls suggest that over 65 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 believe global warming is a severe threat. And, of course, who hasn’t heard of the teenage trailblazer Greta Thunberg by now?
Even though we’re stuck inside due to COVID-19, that doesn’t mean you can’t introduce your children to conservation. Below, we’ll go over a few fantastic activities you and your children could try during Earth Day’s 50th anniversary.
1. Microgreens For Micro Gardeners
Want an easy way to get your kids “hungry” for horticulture? Try growing a few microgreens in an outdoor garden.
Not only are these herbs easy to grow, but they are also some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Your kids will be so proud of their gardening accomplishments that they’ll probably gobble these greens without protest!
As a bonus, there are plenty of microgreens to choose from to suit even the pickiest tastes. Whether your kids like peppery arugula, sweet beets, or spicy mustard greens, there’s sure to be one microgreen you could work into your cuisine.
2. Cook A Vibrant Veggie Meal
While we’re on the subject of garnishes like microgreens, why not look up a few eco-conscious recipes and encourage your child’s inner chef? There are tons of plant-based meal plans and desserts online that are well-suited for even the most inexperienced cooks.
Along with trying exciting vegetarian recipes, Earth Day is an excellent opportunity to teach your children about preservation techniques like pickling veggies or freezing fruit. Getting your children to practice these techniques will help them think creatively about saving their food.
3. Forget Pokémon Go – Try The Earth Challenge App!
Let’s face it: 21st-century children love their smartphones. That doesn’t mean, however, ecologists can’t use technology to their advantage.
For instance, Earth Day Network recently developed a hi-tech app called Earth Challenge to teach children about today’s ecological issues. Please encourage your children to download Earth Challenge and explore the app’s resources.
A few of the fantastic features on this mobile app include:
- Links with community activists.
- Informational courses by the world’s top environmentalists.
- Interactive maps with interesting local data.
- Journaling sections where you could record your thoughts and plans.
To find out how you could download the Earth Challenge app, please follow this link.
4. Use Mother Earth As Your Muse
If you’ve ever been to a national park or watched a sunset on the beach, you know first-hand why the natural world has inspired so many artists. Why not encourage your child to let out their inner Michelangelo and paint a few nature-themed pictures?
The Earth Day Network strongly suggests using what others consider “junk” and transforming it into a creative art project. In addition to recyclable materials, many young artists have used twigs, leaves, and rocks in their conservation-themed creations. For extra artistic inspiration, be sure to check out these stunning pics in Earth Day’s online gallery.
Suppose your children aren’t into the visual arts. No worries! There are plenty of other creative ways your kids could express their feelings for the natural world. Encourage your kiddos to compose songs or write plays with an ecological message. Remember, whatever comes “natural” to your child will make the most substantial impact.
5. Go On An Endangered Animal Safari…On Safari!
Even the most cynically minded among us can’t help but melt when they see an ad for an endangered species. So, imagine what an impact info on these precious creatures could have on a child.
Find an endangered species online that speaks to your child and share a few videos and fun facts. You could also print out pictures of animals for children to color or create other art-themed projects. Whatever gets your kids talking about the importance of conservation is a worthwhile activity.
To find a full list of endangered species, be sure to follow this link to the World Wildlife Fund.