Invest in our Planet!
Celebrate the earth and nature with your children. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, spending time outside increases our ability to problem solve and be more creative. Children learn better and are also healthier when they play outside.
Spending time in nature can help decrease stress, boost immune system, increase energy levels and exercise. Parents and teachers play a very important role in helping their children develop a love of nature. Fostering a connection with nature at an early age leads to them being outside and interested in nature more when they are adults.
Boost your children’s time outside by trying some of the following activities:
- Take a nature walk and listen for different sounds (animals, birds, water)
- Gather things and create art (leaves, rocks, cones etc.)
- Play a game of ball
- Hike a trail
- Take a bike ride
- Plan a garden space for the spring
- Rake your lawn and watch for different bugs or insects
This year’s Earth Day theme is Invest in Our Planet. Ways to reduce your family’s carbon footprint:
- Eat local, seasonal foods, plant protein-beans, and lentils. Grow your own vegetable garden.
- Reduce your food waste by eating leftovers-make soups or freeze for later eating.
- Replace light bulbs with low-energy bulbs that use 80% less electricity.
- Lower your thermostat to 19 Celsius and save on your heating bill!
- Limit e-mail usage, online video viewing, and avoid online newsletters to reduce the energy needed to keep your phone charged.
- Compost/re-cycle. Shop at thrift stores and garage sales. Pick up one piece of garbage each day.
- Walk when possible or use bicycles and public transit.
- Reduce your air travel which accounts for 5-10% of global greenhouse gases each year.
Adapted from: https://davidsuzuki.org/take-action/act-locally/connecting-youth-with-nature/
Healthy Learners in School Program
Anglophone West School District