Earth Day in 2014 will be on April 22nd. Whether you’re looking for ideas for your class or to personally make the world a greener place, check out our 10 activities here…
#10: Share Acts of Green
When you do anything for Earth Day, share your “Act of Green” to the earthday.org website to help reach them reach their goal of 2 billion Acts of Green (currently just over 1 billion)!
#9: Watch some videos
We’ve listed some inspiring Earth Day videos below:
- Earth Day Network has its own Youtube channel! Plus, these short videos highlight suggestions for “Acts of Green” from celebrities and Olympians.
- PBS NOVA video: Earth From Space (1 hr. 52 min.): Fascinating video if you have time for the whole thing or just part of it. Shows how ecosystems and climates are globally interconnected from satellite perspectives.
- History Channel Global Warming Video (3 minutes)
- History Channel: Listen to Margaret Mead speak at the first Earth Day (1 minute)
- Youtube video song for kids that goes over ideas to Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle. (2 ½ minutes)
#8: Take a clean-up nature walk
As a class or as an individual, this is a great way to take care of our earth in a simple and immediate way!
#7: Explore the outdoors to appreciate nature
Have class outside on Earth Day! Also, be sure to look up events organized in your area for outdoor Earth Day celebrations.
#6: Take your Global Footprint quiz
Earthday.org provides this interactive Global Footprint quiz to help you explore ideas to change or improve your footprint. Nature Conservancy also has a similar Carbon Footprint Calculator.
#5: Learn about composting
This Earthday.org link about composting provides detailed instructions as well as a pledge!
#4: Contact your local representative to take action
Various green legislation is currently being evaluated, such as Environmental Education. This is an especially great option if your class has been studying government this year!
#3: Learn about various donation programs
If your administration approves, perhaps your class may choose to have a fundraiser to contribute to! Even if a fundraiser isn’t an option, it’s still great for students to discuss and perhaps bring home ideas for action!
- Adopt an Acre with the Nature Conservancy’s program to conserve coral reef, African grasslands, and more. Donations start at $50
- The Canopy Project with Earth Day Network to plant 10 million trees. Donations start at $35.
- Species Adoptions from WWF. Donations start at $50, and you will receive a plush animal, bag, and picture in return!
- Plant a Billion Trees Campaign with Nature Conservancy. Donations start at $25.
#2: Send a nature Ecard
This is a great way to share the beauties of nature and to encourage its protection. Plus, it’s free!
#1: Utilize social media
Pick your favorite social media platforms to spread the word on Earth Day! Below are a few resources to try out!
- Article on 5 ways to use social media for Earth Day action
- 350.org signs to personalize and share
*View additional Green Actions with accompanying lesson plans on earthday.org’s website here. Happy Earth Day!
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