April 22 is Earth Day, a day all about protecting our environment. Remember, you and your family can celebrate Earth Day EVERY day by doing just a few easy things that will have a big impact on our planet.
Here are 7 ideas on things your family can do to be better environmental stewards:
1. Meal plan
The average family throws out $1,500 in wasted food per year, according to the EPA. In fact, food waste makes up over 24 percent of landfill waste in the United States. Simple steps like meal planning, storing food properly, and using leftovers can help your family reduce your food waste. Here's how to create a monthly meal plan that works.
2. Grow your own food
Gardening involves much more than watering plants. Kids can learn math and science skills, responsibility, and will begin to understand how much time, effort, and care farmers put into their jobs. Here are 10 benefits to gardening with kids.
3. Reuse
Have an old T-shirt? Turn it into a tote instead of throwing it away. Recycle jars or milk containers into bird feeders. Use egg cartons as a seed starter. Reuse glass and plastic jars to hold things like craft supplies. Reach out in a local Facebook group or a site like Next Door to see if someone will let you borrow a tool or item you only need to use once.
4. Invite worms into your kitchen
No, really. We mean it. Worm composting is a great way to turn scraps into soil and get kids interested in recycling. Here's more about the fun of worm composting.
5. Clean up
Whether it's an organized community event or just your family, head to a local park, nature area, or shoreline to pick up trash. Don't forget to bring work gloves!
6. Commit to using less plastic
As a family, swear off those plastic bottles of water. Always choose a cone when out for ice cream (no more plastic dishes!). Make it a habit to bring reusable shopping bags wherever you go.
7. Plant a tree
Trees provide food and oxygen, and also help save energy, clean the air, and help fight climate change. All that and they're lovely to sit under on a hot day! Plant a tree as a family and watch it grow over the years.
