Growing Green Kids

Earth Day 2012 kicks off in just a few hours. How are you planning to celebrate? Contrary to popular belief, the special occasion is not only commemorated by tree huggers and granola lovers. Rather, these days, Earth Day organizers are targeting tech-obsessed kids in hopes of inspiring a new generation to go green. In some parts of the world parents are being encouraged to get their kids to give up their favorite electronic devices for the day, and instead turn their attention to preserving the earth’s natural resources such as air, water, plants and animals. This, of course, is easier … Continue reading

How to Have Fun on Earth Day

This may be the only time in history when Good Friday and Earth Day fall on the same date. Earth Day supporters (at least the ones I heard chatting on the radio earlier today) see the rare collision of dates as a good thing, as they feel that since most people are off from school and work to commemorate the day Jesus died for our sins, they will have more time to take part in activities to preserve our precious planet. Earth Day was created to shed light on how we can all chip in to care for and restore … Continue reading

More Money-Saving Earth Day Deals

You don’t have to be a “Crunchy Granola,” an aging hippie, or a tree hugger to appreciate money-saving Earth Day deals. After all, doesn’t everyone want to save green on the “green”-est day of the year? Retailers around the world are offering a wide range of promotions and deals to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Here are just a few winners: Babies R Us The popular children’s store is giving away a free reusable tote bag with a printable coupon through April 22nd, plus 25 percent off all clothes and shoes you can fit in the bag. Disney … Continue reading

Ways to Save Green on Earth Day

According to reports, more than one billion people around the globe participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest secular civic event in the world. If you don’t have time to pick up trash at a local park or hug a tree on April 22nd, then consider taking advantage of the following money-saving deals being offered by popular retailers in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day: Barnes and Noble The largest book retailer in the United States is offering 30 percent off dozens of Green titles, such as: *Fancy Nancy Every Day is Earth Day … Continue reading

Cupcake Fun on Earth Day

Do you really need a special occasion to enjoy a cupcake? If you are a tree hugger with a sweet tooth, then your day has come. New York’s favorite bakery—Magnolia—is helping to save the planet one cupcake at a time. Beginning today and running through Thursday, April 22nd, the world-famous pastry shop is offering special Earth Day cupcakes at all four of its Big Apple locations. According to the folks at Magnolia, for every cupcake purchased, the bakery will donate $1.00 to The Nature Conservancy’s charity, Plant A Billion Trees. The sweet treats sell for $3.25, and no, they are … Continue reading

Simple Earth Day Projects for Kids

Earth Day 2010 is less than a week away. On April 22nd my daughter’s elementary school is planning a swap to celebrate U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson’s idea to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment. The school-wide swap is designed to encourage students and faculty to reuse and recycle everyday items. The kids are being asked to bring in gently used clothing, unwanted accessories, books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, household items, toys, school supplies, and toiletries. The gym will then be turned into a swap meet where students, staff and parents can choose items they want or need and take them … Continue reading

Easy Earth Day Recipes

Today is Earth Day; time to celebrate all things green and recyclable. What better way to honor the planet than to create some delicious dishes that showcase Mother Nature at her best? The following simple recipes are ideal to make with kids: EDIBLE EARTH DAY WORM GARDEN Ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) bag Oreos or other chocolate sandwich cookies 2 cups cold milk 1 (4-ounce) package chocolate instant pudding 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip 1/2 pound gummy worms Clean glass flowerpot or vase Plastic wrap Plastic flower Directions: Place the cookies in the food processor and pulse. Pour cold milk and pudding … Continue reading

Fun Earth Day Activities for the Whole Family

Happy Earth Day! Today is a great day to talk to your children about the environment and ways you can help preserve the planet as a family. The following fun projects can help you get the conversation started: SEASHELL WIND CHIME If you live near the beach, then spend Earth Day combing the sand for seashells (if you are landlocked, then head to the discount store and purchase a few bags of shells). Then, use the natural items to create a simple wind chime, which will encourage you to appreciate the breeze on a daily basis. Materials: Plastic milk jug … Continue reading

Fun Earth Day Activities

Earth Day is tomorrow, so why not celebrate the occasion by creating environmentally friendly crafts with your kids. Here are some simple projects that the entire family can have fun making: EASY BIRD FEEDER Materials: One quart-size milk carton One half-gallon-size milk carton Scissors Glue gun Exacto knife Spray enamel paint Heavy cord Birdseed Directions: Wash out the cartons with soapy water and allow them to dry. Cut the top and bottom off of the quart-size milk carton, forming a rectangular tube that is about six inches tall. Cut a hole the size of a half a quarter in each … Continue reading

Fun Ideas for Earth Day

Honoring Mother Earth is simple, and a great way to bond with your children. Consider partaking in the following activities to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd: Gardening You don’t have to go overboard with this idea. Instead of planting an entire garden filled with vegetables and flowers, just grab a pot or cup, fill it 2/3rds of the way with soil, sprinkle on some grass seed, add a little more soil, and water. Then, place the cup in a sunny spot and let nature take its course. Your kids will love checking on their grass every day and will … Continue reading