"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."
One of the best things about living in Colorado and the changing seasons is that I am awestruck daily by the beauty that surrounds me.
Earth Day is a great time to remember that we are all stewards of this big, beautiful planet. We are each responsible to do our part to conserve its resources and take care of our little corner of the world.
First observed in 1970, this annual holiday is now recognized in 193 countries and celebrated by millions of people working together to create a healthier, more sustainable planet for generations to come.
Here are 5 fun ways to celebrate Earth Day with your own family!
1. Start with a giggle.
Why is Earth so calming?
It keeps me grounded!
2. Create art from recycled materials.
How many things can you create from empty toilet paper tubes and milk cartons? Quite a lot, actually!
The Assembly Plant at the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus has plenty of materials and blueprints you can follow to make something quite special!
If you prefer to craft at home, we've got a few ideas for you:
- Recycled Magazine Butterflies
- Recycled Milk Carton Bird Feeders
- Recycled Musical Instruments
- Recycled Coffee Pod Dinosaurs
3. Attend an Earth Day event.
There are several family-friendly Earth Day events happening around the Metro area. Learn conservation tips, watch demonstrations, get free goodies, and more!
4. Plant a pollinator-friendly garden.
This is a great way to learn about the importance of both plants and pollinators like bees and butterflies and how they work together to create a healthy planet. Here are some tips:
- Use native plants, such as Coneflowers, Sunflowers, Penstemons, and Salvias.
- Plant flowers in groups to make it easier for pollinators to locate and access the flowers.
- Provide a shallow water source such as a birdbath or even a pie tin.
- Avoid pesticides when possible and use natural pest control methods instead.
- Create nesting and resting places for pollinators, like this adorable insect hotel made from bamboo tubes.
5. Have a family movie night.
There are plenty of kid-friendly movies that are perfect for Earth Day! Here are a few of our favorites (click the linked title to borrow it from our Douglas County Libraries):
- A Bug's Life (G)
- FernGully: The Last Rainforest (G)
- Happy Feet (PG)
- The Lorax (PG)
- Wall-E (G)
