April 22nd is Earth Day – the 40th anniversary of this annual celebration. There wasn’t any Earth Day when I was a kid and it was still something new when my kids were in school. It usually fell during their Spring vacation and there wasn’t really any big deal at school. One year we were on vacation in Arizona and I think I remember there being some local events there.
Much has changed in 40 years – including how big a deal Earth Day is. There will be many a tree planted and especially designed learning programs at schools. Every museum and zoo will have special programs. Our nearby Turtle Back Zoo is having a “Party for the Planet” on Saturday. Indeed the celebrations will extend throughout the weekend.
This is a good time for us to consider doing some Earth Day activity with our grandchildren. Go ahead show them that us old folks care about the planet too. You can do something simple or elaborate – depending on what you are up to. Here are some ideas:
-Plant something together - vegetables, flowers, a tree
-Make a list taking turns of the things you do to “help save the planet.” (I am particularly proud of the 8 green bags I take to the grocery store.)
-Check out the local Earth Day celebrations in your town and at museums and zoos and take you grandchild to one of them.
-Take you grandchild to a local farmer’s market and discuss the value of buying locally grown food.
-Do an art project together using recycled materials.
-If you are really into it discuss how you and your child might participate in an advocacy project or a park or river cleanup day.
This is just a short list to get your creative juices going. You can visit EarthDay.org and find out whatever you would like to know about Earth Day. You can even put in your zipcode and get a list of local events.
I hope you’ll leave a comment and share your Earth Day ideas and activities with us.
Marion
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