Teach Your Kids How to Un-Plug for Earth Day!

We are not the greenest family on the block. n nWe aren’t terrible either, I hope. Our house is stocked with Energy Star appliances and our lighting costs are somewhat limited simply because I am always too busy to replace a lightbulb.n nWe purchase natural cleaning products and I found a service that uses turkey poop to fertilize our lawn.n nThere is so much more we can do.n nEarth Day presents a great opportunity for conscious families to be more conscious. We can all work together to find ways to show love for the planet we live on.n nIt’s Time to Get Dirty!n nA great way to start this kind of conversation with your family is to actually get outside and experience the planet we are trying to protect. Take your shoes off and walk barefoot. Do a little gardening. Swim in the ocean.n nCultivate a love of the great outdoors and you will teach your children that this is something worth saving.n nAs they start growing older, teach them how the choices we make affect the health of our planet, which in turn affects our health and well-being.n nHelp them make connections. Teach them that they can make a difference.n nMy younger son was invited to write an essay (or a poem, which he declined) for Earth Day. He thought it would be a good idea to share it with my readers.n nSo here it is... How to Celebrate Earth Day, from a wise, fourth-grade citizen of the planet:n n“I think Earth Day is an important day, because it helps the Earth by pushing people to do something more than they usually do.n nThis year, I am celebrating Earth Day. From now on, I’m going to build a new habit. I usually leave the chargers for my laptop, my DS, my cell phone and my I-pod plugged into the wall, even when I’m not using them. My mom says this wastes a lot of electricity.n nSo, for my new habit, I am going to always un-plug the chargers from the wall before I disconnect them from my devices. That way, I will always remember to un-plug and stop wasting electricity!n nI think this is a great way to help the environment.n nAnother way you might celebrate Earth Day at your house is to try turning off your lights for the night. That means no TV or video games and only use your fridge or freezer. You can always read a book with a flashlight.n nSee how that works out and remember to always be nice to Mother Earth!”n nPeace.n n nRelated Posts:n nRead about the joys of getting outdoors in, How Do You Know When It’s Spring? and Do Your Children Get Enough Creative Play Time?n n nRecommended Reading:n nMaking a “Save the Earth” action plan would be a great summer activity for conscious families. You can get plenty of ideas from, 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth.