Earth Day, April 22nd, is approaching and that means it’s time once again to reinforce to our kids how our choices impact the environment. One way to make a positive impact on the environment is through organic farming. Eating organic and vegan is not only better for our bodies, but better for the ecosystem as well. Picking these fresh ingredients over processed, chemically-enhanced options helps to support organic farmers too. Here are some more ways to get involved in this year’s Earth Day with your little one:
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Collect. Whether its plastic bottles, aluminum cans, cardboard packages, let kids make a collection of ‘garbage’ materials in a special box. Once the box is full, bring them to the nearest collection facility where they can get cash for the items they’ve collected. If you don’t live in a state that pays for recycling, still collect items and let your little one be in charge of the process.
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Upcycle. Instead of buying arts and craft materials, use old bottles and packages to put together fun art projects. Build a town with cardboard boxes or a tin can totem pole.
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Donate. While plastic toys are fun and safe, their production is dangerous for the environment (unless you choose BPA free, which we hope you do!) Ask your child to donate their toys to other kids when they grow tired of them. Passing toys to friends and family members will allow your child a great opportunity to share. We often bring our old toys to the park and leave them around to let others discover them and bring them home. Also: even if your kid goes to a private school, they’ll most likely be very grateful for your donations. Bring a big bag to school and let your kid feel like a big shot “Look at all the awesome toys we are sharing with our friends! What fun!”
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Volunteer. Join a local park or beach clean in your area on Earth Day. Cleaning up litter is hard work and might make young ones think twice about tossing something on the ground beforehand.
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Grow. Plant a tree with an official organization or make your own garden at home. If it’s too cold out, there are plenty of plants that will grow in an indoor windowsill. Tomatoes and peppers will grow on a windowsill and will encourage young ones to try new vegetables. Mushrooms and potatoes will grow by themselves if left out and can provide a fun science experiment as well.
BONUS: Win Sprout Organic Baby Food!
Sprout organic foods is dedicated to providing babies, toddlers and children with convenient, organic snacks and meals. With pouched options and single-serve items, their organic products are a healthy as well as efficient choice. Founded in 2009, the entire product line is organic using unique cooking methods and seasoning the recipes with gentle, beneficial herbs and spices that creates tasty, unique, nutritious combinations that babies and toddlers – and their parents – love. The line isn’t entirely vegan, but much of it is, and Sprout is giving away a package of all their vegan products to one lucky GirlieGirl Army reader! Simply leave a comment below to be entered to win! Winner will be announced here by May 1.