Celebrate Earth Day 2008

We try to respect and celebrate our planet every day by recycling, choosing environmentally safe products, buying organic and growing plants together in our garden. We teach our kids about conservation and try to lead by example. We're not perfect and we don't own a hybrid (yet), but we do make a conscious effort to do what we can and instill a healthy respect for Mother Nature in our kids. This month offers a wonderful opportunity to build on the momentum of the Green movement by using lessons geared toward saving Mother Earth. To enhance our discussions, we recently took field trips to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, The Virginia Zoo, and the Virginia Living Museum. If you are interested you can check out our pics in my slide show. Consider visiting a museum, park or beach near you to help your family get in the spirit of the Earth Day festivities.

Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22nd, but events are scheduled all month in cities all across the planet. To find an event near you, click this link: Earth Day 2008 Events
This site has some great info on the history of Earth Day, lesson plan ideas and links to environmental sites: Wilderness.org
Another site I love is published by National Geographic and includes tons of info, games, and activities related to animals, which my 6 year old can't get enough of. Kids can create their own web page by using the "my page" feature and post info about their favorite animals, then share it with family and friends. Check it out, it's lots of fun: National Geographic Kids

A fun game for grown ups from Starbucks can be found here: Planet Green Game and did you know that Starbucks saves coffee grounds for customers to use in their gardens?...great enrichment if you are growing tomatoes this summer! Ask them about it on your next visit. Or, just save your own to mix into the soil when you are planting.

I've got to run now, we're off to a birthday party. I hope to post more soon! Please come back and visit!