Earth Day Activities

Earth Day is about raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet and taking action. Over 1 billion people take part in this holiday every year! This 50th year will be a little different, due to our current situation, but there are many activities that can be done digitally and at home to recognize this important day.

Here are some ideas for ways our students and families can help our planet:

Environmentally Green Activities for Kids

Do you like the idea of doing your part to help the environment? Does your child learn about saving the environment at school? These days, kids are hearing more and more about helping our environment. Because we are all at home, this may be the perfect time to start making small changes by working together. Here are some easy ways you can incorporate environmentally-friendly activities into your day.

➡Start (or continue) recycling: Look for online books for children about recycling. Read the book(s) together. Put a box outside your door or in your garage. When family members go to throw something away, take a minute to decide if it can be recycled. If so, put it in the bin. Bradley Beach has curbside pick-up, so you can have your child (or assist your child) help by taking out the bin on recycling day.

➡Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt or nature walk: Have children look for things in the environment, such as a maple tree, an acorn, a tulip, or a squirrel. This will help them see the beauty of the world they live in and why it is important to protect it. (See our Scavenger Hunt lists on the Previously Posted Links tab)

➡Make crafts out of material you’ve collected in your recycling bin: This could be a robot, alien, paper airplane, rocket, or whatever else your child’s imagination can come up with. (You will see examples in our photos below, and on our Creation Gallery page!)

➡Consider your carbon footprint: Talk about ways to reduce your footprint around the house. For younger kids, give them the responsibility of being the “light monitor.” They can help to turn off unused lights and electronics to save energy.

➡Have a magazine or book exchange: Ask close friends and neighbors if they have any books or magazines that they enjoyed and no longer need. Do a trade!

➡Clean the neighborhood walk: When it is safe to do so again, put on some gloves, grab a bag, and walk around the neighborhood. Pick up trash you see. Sort out the recycling. Make sure to wash your hands well when you get home after you take off your gloves.

➡Don't be a "Litterbug": Make an effort to remember to throw trash away in the correct containers, and not on the ground!

➡Paint and install a rain barrel outside: These can be purchased at a local hardware store when it is safe to go into the stores. Bring the barrel home and paint it with your child. Together, find a spot outside to install it. Talk about how the water will be captured from the rain and discuss ways you can use it when the bucket fills…to water flowers, work in the garden, or even to wash the car.

➡Educate others: When on phone calls/video chats, writing letters, emailing, or texting, mention the activities you have been doing so as to educate others about your efforts and how they too can take a small step towards helping the environment.

💮 If you have a Google device, click on the Google logo today, as Google commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day with an interactive and informative lesson about the important role played by bees! It's a fun game, too! 💮