Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in kansas city, KS

Understanding Earth Day.

by Jenny Meade

April 20, 2009

Yesterday morning we celebrated Earth Day Sunday at our church by planting three trees, and then listening to a Sunday School teacher read Dr. Suess' The Lorax.  My six year old asked me "Mommy, what is Earth Day?"  I explained it's a day where we make an effort to really focus on things that each of us can do to make the Earth a better place to live, whether by recycling, using less energy, or making less pollution for our environment.

He said, "Oh. Shouldn't we be doing that EVERY day?"

Oh yes, sweet boy, we should.  

Earth Day began back in 1970, when the concepts of sustainable living and how the abuses of the planet would affect our future was the stuff of hippie sit-ins and progressive Midwestern senators.  People didn't really think about it in their day to day lives.  But our young childrens' lives are different.  They have always seen curbside recycling bins in the neighborhood. They know what Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" means, and not just that it's a song that Jack Johnson sings.  They talk at school about turning off the water while you brush your teeth, drinking water from a glass instead of a plastic bottle when possible, and choosing paper over plastic at the grocery store. Or better yet, bring your own bag.  Many major U.S. based companies have established eco-friendly policies and programs, beyond just putting an alumnium can recycling bin in the breakroom.  One of these companies is HP, and not only do they have a strong eco-solutions program, they've got printable activities you can do at home with your family (like stickers! You can make stickers at home! Oh, would that I had this kind of thing when I was passing out stickers for every time someone peed on the potty...) 

 (Psst! Ever wonder how to recycle printer cartridges? From the comfort of your own mailbox? Yeah, there's no excuses now, baby.)

And here's another link you might like.  A couple of weeks ago, Julie and Rachel from Being Savvy Houston gave us some great ideas for things we can do to prep preschoolers for Earth Day. Aside from picking up a copy of The Lorax to read to your family, I have nothing to add! 

 

 

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Earth Day learning with the kids.

by Jenny Meade

April 16, 2009

This year, Earth Day is officially on April 22nd, but many folks are celebrating and focusing on doing good for planet earth all throughout the month of April.  This weekend in Kansas City there are a couple of Earth Day focused activities where you can take the family and have fun while learning something new.

• Owl Shook Up! Kansas City Missouri Parks and Rec Saturday, April 18th at the Lakeside Nature Center
• Party for the Planet - The Kansas City Zoo
• Earth Day celebration - Powell Gardens
• While not this weekend, Powell Gardens is running a Kids Garden Club starting Saturdays in May that looks awesome!

And whether they are having a big celebration or not, you can always visit The Overland Park Aboretum and Botanical Gardens anytime.

I'll be spending Friday night camping at the zoo myself, with my two little cub scouts. I'm sure there will be some eco-friendly activities there, too!

 

 

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