Reduce By Reusing

Lead students in brainstorming ways to cut down on their use of disposable items. For each type of item they can think of, challenge them to find an alternative. For example, paper napkins can be replaced with cloth ones and paper cups can be replaced with sturdy, reusable plastic glasses. To get these youngsters started on putting these ideas into practice, hold drawings for “One Planet, One Dream, Go Green” Recycled Water Bottles and “One Planet, One Dream, Go Green” Non-Woven Shopper Totes.

Carpooling For Recyclables

Perhaps your town doesn’t have a curbside recycling program, but does have locations throughout the community to drop off recyclables. Make it easier for families of your students to take advantage of this system by letting them bring items to the school. Then recycling won’t involve a separate stop for them. Recruit volunteers to take turns hauling the recyclables to a drop-off location. Launch this project on Earth Day. Give “I’m Cool, I Recycle” Buttons and “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Silicone Bracelets With Pledge Presentation Card to your volunteers.

Meaningful Map

Create a visual aid to illustrate how humans are making more trash than they know what to do with. Begin with a box from a refrigerator or other large appliance; flatten it. Draw the Earth’s continents on it and color them green. Color the rest of the cardboard blue. Show your students this image. Then have them gather “clean” trash, possibly things that have accumulated in their desks, backpacks, etc. Help them glue the trash all over the Earth. Ask them to step back and see how the image has changed. As a reminder, pass out “Handle With Care” Laminated Backpack Tags and “Handle With Care” Heat Sensitive Pencils.

Songs And Sun

Think big when you think Earth Day 2011. Arrange an outdoor concert that features bands performing family-friendly music. Tie the concert into Earth Day by powering the equipment with solar energy. For advice, contact other organizations who have held solar-powered concerts. During the concert, throw packages of “Earth Day Rocks” Rubber Wristbands out to the crowd. As everyone leaves at the end, distribute “Earth Day Rocks” Temporary Tattoos.

Air To Share

Properly inflated vehicle tires help maximize fuel efficiency. On Earth Day, offer free tire inflation before and after school. Find a business that can bring the equipment to your campus and donate the labor. Let parents know earlier in the week so they can allot some time for airing up either in the morning or afternoon of your special day. Present “Family Guide To Going Green” Slideguides to the adults who come to the tire-inflation event and give “Earth Day: I Can Make A Difference” Stickers to their children. The slideguides have a section on greener driving.

Power Of Plants

Indoor air pollution can be a big problem, yet often isn’t discussed. Read up on the issue, then present the information to children in an age-appropriate way. Let them know that certain houseplants absorb air pollutants and improve indoor air quality. Some of these include gerbera daisies, golden pothos, philodendrons and spider plants. See if any garden centers in your area will donate these varieties for your classroom. Involve students in the care of the plants. Also give them “Celebrate Earth Day Every Day” 4-Color Cups With Seeds or Biodegradable Planter Cups With Seeds so they can grow their own plants.

Sign On The Dotted Line

Conduct a lesson on being a friend to the Earth by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Also talk to the students about the phrase “Earth friendly.” Then ask them to sign the “We Pledge To Be Earth Friendly” Poster on which they promise to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Design and photocopy pledge sheets students can take home. Encourage them to ask the adults in their lives (parents, other relatives, family friends, etc.) to sign the forms, showing they too care about our planet. Award an “I The Earth” Silicone Dog Tag to each child who brings in five or more signatures.