Earth Day: 10 ways to get kids involved

This week we're all about Earth Day, which is on the 22nd April. We're posting every day leading up to the event so we all have time to prepare the little ones for what Earth Day is all about.

Every year, all over the world, Earth Day aims to find solutions for climate change, to end plastic pollution, to protect endangered species, and to broaden, educate and activate the environmental movement across the globe. For 2019, the focus is Protect Our Species. Just perfect.

Ways to get the kids involved

Get online and let them do the Earth Day quizzes. Talk about their understanding of the answers. If they're not sure of the words being used, help them understand. Let the older ones do some research. There are six quizzes to do, and you will be rewarded with your choice of a free downloadable poster.

Attend an organised Earth Day event. Many are listed on Eventbrite and many are free. If there's not one near you, why not organise your own?

Plant a tree or flowers to beautify your area, provide shelter and food for birds, prevent soil erosion, attract bees. Kids love getting their hands dirty.

Organise (or attend) a beach or park clean - it could be any area. Take a before and after photo and share to inspire others.

Watch Our Planet if you haven't already, and, if you have, watch it again. It's very inspiring and although horrifying at times, it also gives hope. It has been four years in the making and was filmed in 50 countries. The series focuses on the breadth of the diversity of habitats around the world, including the Arctic wilderness, the deep sea, the vast landscapes of Africa and the diverse jungles of South America. BG kids love this series.

Plan your Earth Day meal, and make it on the 22nd. It should be an earth-friendly dinner in every way possible. For example, use locally sourced ingredients and plan what you're going to do with leftovers and scraps.

Make the children Energy chiefs. Let the kids hunt for items around the house that are using electricity by being plugged in or on standby mode. Let them have the responsibility to be the official switcher-offers as part of your bedtime routine.

Get them to write to their MP about an environmental issue that concerns them. Or to an industry leader. Is there something that you would like to see changed? Let them know. If the kids are very young, get them to draw a picture to accompany your letter. For example, is your local McDonalds still using plastic straws? Get in touch and ask them when they will be phased out. (They pledged to do so by this year!). Lola and Finn have written in, we will let you know if we get a response!

Walk, bike, scoot instead of using the car. It's great for them and the environment, but make sure they know why you're doing it and the impact it has!

Start the 48 days of blue challenge as a family.  It's a great way of changing habits from ditching straws to using fabric napkins. Some activities aren't suitable for the kids (such as ditching the booze!) but they can be the cheerleaders for the grown-ups.

Keep it going and make it a habit! It's not easy to be sustainable but if we all try...

During this week we will be sharing lots of posts on all things sustainable, from crafts to brands that have sustainability at their heart. Please get involved. Share our posts, let us know what you're doing and tell us if you have seen something brilliant that we should include.

Leave a comment below or emailing team@bambinogoodies.co.uk, you can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.