5 Simple Earth Day Activities

Here are five super simple ideas that need almost no prepping (the 5th one days, but it is still easy).

1. Go Litter Picking

Litter picking of course is great for the local environment and for wildlife. It is also a great community initiative and counts as your “random act of kindness of the day”. You can keep the litter pick super simple – just litter pick on your way to work or to school, or help tidy up after the refuse people/ bin men and have been.. or go “big” and organise a litter pick with your school or neighbours.

2. Less Meat

There is plenty of research out there that shows that eating less meat is actually better for the environment. I know it isn’t everyone’s “bag”, which is totally fine.. but maybe have ONE no meat day on April 22nd? And if you liked it, or discovered a new recipe, why not have a “no meat day” once a week.. these small changes, can have huge impact!

3. Have a No Spend Day

On April 22nd have a NO SPEND DAY… buy nothing (obviously, if you need food, but food – but don’t buy anything you are not planning on using that day). Avoid convenience items such as take away coffes and take away food (bring your own lunch in that day). Hold off buying that item of clothing and think about whether you really need it. A no spend can be a small way to changing shopping habits and help reducing waste. Remember REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE.. and only then reuse and recycle. Less is more for Earth Day!

If you enjoyed your NO SPEND DAY.. why not make every 22nd of the month a no spend day? Will be good for your purse too!

4. Walk or Bus it

Ditch the car (if you can) and walk, cycle or bus it. Not only is this good for the environment, but it is good FOR YOU TOO! We are society that is increasingly sedantry, causing all sorts of health issues.. a brisk walk or short cycle has SO many fantastic benefits. And of course is great for the environment too!

5. Plant something

Plant something. Below I have some lovely eco friendly gardening ideas. But you don’t JUST have to plant some seedlings (growing your own lettuce is fun, quick and rewarding), but why not think “Big” – maybe you can add a new tree to your garden or community? Or maybe you could do with some more bee friendly plants? Have a think about your garden, window boxes and see what you can add….

Make your own toys

Make your own cardboard toys!! These Cardboard Safari animals (plus the random camel) are just one example of the amazing cardboard box crafts you can make and play with. The kids and I have been making our own toys for YEARS! And there is no question that a homemade toy is just as good, if not better than a shop bought one, as the kids are VESTED in the process. They love making and they love playing. So instead of buying the latest “thing”, make your own! Here are examples of what you can make with a cardboard box! Our favourite include, DIY Dolls Houses, DIY Pirate Ships and our “carry along doll house” set. Don’t buy. Make your own. And make your own from recycled materials!

Similarly, there are HOST of fantastic toys you can make using just Toilet Paper Rolls and other recycled bits and bobs. Our Toilet Paper Roll Marionettes have been popular for years.. but toilet paper rolls can make all sorts of story props, decorations or even gift boxes! Make one of these and discuss withe the children in the classroom the benefits of making your own rather than buying new!

Craft Supplies for Earth Day Projects

Earth Watercolor Art

The Best Ideas for Kids

Use various shades of green and blue watercolor paint to create a dimensional earth. You'll only need a few supplies, plus this blogger shares a free template!