By Cherie Gough

Earth Day is April 22, but it’s important for us to take care of our planet every day. If you’ve been thinking about finding significant ways to help your children learn to care for the environment, we’ve got 30 ideas, one for each day in April, to help your family take action. From building a sense of wonder for nature to conserving precious resources to helping older kids to find ways to become activists, you’ll find an array of activities to suit your family. 

1. Go for a butterfly walk in your neighborhood or a local garden. Afterwards, plant pollinator-friendly native plants.

2. Recycle food scraps. Proper food waste disposal is powerful. Did you know food and yard waste in landfills rots without oxygen, emitting methane, the second greatest contributor to climate change?

3. Donate fruit from your trees or volunteer to pick fruit and donate excess to food pantries.

4. Fill your kitchen with gently pre-loved, thrifted treasures. Hosting a party or gathering? Rather than choosing single-use or plastic products, vintage tableware adds character and personal flair in addition to being a green choice.

5. Observe nature while getting exercise. Try hiking, rock-climbing, or kayaking.

6. Avoid single-use plastics. Take the kids shopping and help them choose reusable snack bags, lunch containers, and water bottles.

7. Enjoy a natural playground. Kids’ imaginations expand when building with logs, rocks, and petals.

8. Host a toy or book swap with friends. Be sure to get kids’ input on items they’d like to exchange.

9. Learn how to compost. Attend a community workshop. Many young kids enjoy the adventure and mystery of worm bins!

10. Don’t idle your car while picking up the kids. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that idling personal vehicles wastes about 6 billion gallons of fuel annually.

11. Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Find inspiration through the National Wildlife Federation: nwf.org/Great-American-Campout/Activities/Print-and-Go.

12. Plant a garden. Even if you live in a small space, gardening can be a fun family activity. Find easy beginner tips here: garden.org/getstarted.

13. Watch a sunset together.

14. Eat leftovers to avoid food waste. Start with a rotisserie chicken: Use leftovers to top a salad, throw in a soup, make a pot pie, or enchiladas, anyone? 

15. Instead of paper napkins and paper towels, try fabric and see how it works for you. Many Etsy shops make napkins in cute seasonal fabrics and “unpapertowels” or Swedish dish towels can be found at Costco and other stores.

16. Buy local, pesticide-free produce at farmers markets.

17. Walk or bike instead of drive to do an errand. Better yet, encourage your teen to take on this age-appropriate task.

18. Check out nature at your local library, including hiking backpacks and State Park passes. Search availability online.

19. Buy good quality clothing that lasts or try thrifting.

20. Make a nature journal to chronicle family outdoor adventures.

21. Conserve water. Shut off the tap while brushing teeth. 

22. Attend a local Earth Day event. Check your community’s online calendar to find opportunities for the whole family. 

23. Commit to Meatless Mondays. Make soups, chilis, tacos, and pasta without meat. One of the most impactful ways individuals can make a difference for the planet is by eating less meat.

24. Choose restaurants that use organic, locally sourced ingredients.

25.Make recycled art. Repurpose jars, lids, and egg cartons into a fun craft.

26. Try bird watching. Read tips from The Audubon Society here: audubon.org/magazine/easy-ways-get-kids-birding.

27. Volunteer at a community garden. Attend a workday and help weed, plant, water, and harvest produce. You’ll build teamwork while helping grow healthy food for neighbors.

28. Do a litter pick up around your neighborhood.

29. Encourage your teen to become a climate activist. Find opportunities at dosomething.org/us and volunteermatch.org/search.

30. Spring clean and donate e-waste at a site or recycling event near you. ϖ

Cherie Gough is a writer, mom of two, and avid gardener. Find her on IG
@cgoughwrites.