Pin It

Earth Day Activities to Do at Home

mommymommymommy | Mar 3, 2010 |

0 Comments | Rating: 0

There are many Earth Day activities that you can do at home. Today's children are taught "Reduce. Reuse. Recycle." This mantra, unknown to Baby Boomers when they were young, is commonplace in this generation.

The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970. During that time in history, Baby Boomers had left behind the frugal teachings of their parents who had lived during the Great Depression and World War II. They had grown up in new subdivisions, TV dinners, large gas guzzling cars and lived in an era of "convenience is king".

It was time to pay attention to the environment and ways to sustain it. A U.S. Senator from Wisconsin named Gaylord Nelson, founded Earth Day. .According to the Earth Day website, "The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts."

Here are some activities you can do at home to honor Earth Day.

Get rid of your household cleaners

Rinse out the spray bottles and refill them with homemade cleaners. Recipes can be found on the internet.

Plant a vegetable garden

Growing your own vegetables isn't difficult. You can start small by growing plants in small containers. If you are more ambitious, dig up some of your unused yard and till the soil.

Plant a flower bed

Flowers brighten up any yard. Again, you can buy starter plants at nurseries and replant them in containers at home. Buy some Bishop's hooks and you can have hanging plants outdoors that the bunnies cannot eat.

Plant trees

There is a unique beauty that trees add to your home. In spring, summer, and fall, the leaves provide color and shade in a variety of shapes. Trees also provide oxygen, and if it is a fruit bearing tree, food.

Clean out your home

Pick one room at a time. Clean out closets for clothing and shoes you and your family no longer need. Go through kitchen cabinets and get rid of items you have not used for years. Find organizations who need your donations. Many will come to your home for a pick up; all you have to do is call or go on their website to make an appointment. You can join Freecycle.org as another way to donate.

Take a walk or ride your bicycle

Instead of driving around to do your errands, try walking or riding. You'll get exercise and save come money in the process.

By doing these few simple activities on Earth Day, you can help save the planet.