Earth Day Activities for Toddlers

Now that Spring is here and warmer weather is promised a lot of people are talking about getting outside. My family also love to get outdoors and the word 'walk' is never far from the lips of my husband who has become addicted to geocaching. Sadly though the paths in which we walk, areas in which we sometimes are forced to park, the countryside and the seas around us are being increasingly polluted. 

Over Easter we were reminded and horrified at just how affected by pollution the environment we live in has become. For having struggled to find somewhere to park near Badbury Woods we opened our car doors to be greeted by a pile of waste that had been left by people in the area after they'd picniced. This waste didn't belong here and could have been avoided if the people who littered the area took their rubbish home with them and disposed of it in the correct bins.  My daughters are young but they certainly know what a bin is used for even if the odd piece of cutlery also ends up in there too accidentally!

We share our world with people of all ages and animals too. Surely none of us want to live in a polluted world right?! So as we near Earth Day on April 22nd I thought we could all do with a gentle reminder of how we can be kind to each other and the living creatures who share our environment by looking after our world. Each of these activities can be done with our loved ones or alone but lets face it it's more fun when we are in it together. 

Plant Something

My little green fingered babies love to eat and it really gives them a sense of achievement when they've planted seeds and they have gone on to bare fruit and vegetables. We make up our own meals cooking from scratch instead of opting for fast food options.

Use Spotter Sheets to Engage With Your Environment

Another way in which to learn about your environment is through spotter sheets. The image above could be used to spot colours but there are also spotter sheets available online to help little ones spot creepy crawlies and birds in their environment.

Feed the Birds

While the children may not be able to help with the feeding of creepy crawlies they will certainly be able to feed the birds. There are a variety of different bird feeders available to make or buy. Why not present your children with a bird spotter sheet once the bird feeding station is installed in your garden.

Upcycle Something

Many things can be used again for example. Plastic bottles (if you must buy them) can contain your water every time you get out and about. Alternatively you may like to try your hand at creating an upcycled make i.e. a kite or a windsock . 

Books

Finally a great way in which to educate our children about the world in which we live is through books. We don't need to buy brand new every time though as they can often be picked up inexpensively at charity shops giving them another lease of life. Angela Milnes from The Inspiration Edit has a great activity on creating The Lorax who is an environmentally friendly character too,

So lets all join together in making the world less polluted shall we?

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