Safety Communication Health Education Future
A place for families to explore what it means to be responsible

Every year, for one day we celebrate the planet on which we live.  Starting in the 1970s, April 22 has been celebrated as Earth Day .  How will you show the world that you appreciate your planet? 

In our busy lives, it is easy to push aside this day as another ridiculous holiday, but without the earth we wouldn't be here!  Making some simple changes can make a huge impact on the environment.  This is an important lesson to teach children not just for their own understanding, but for the future of our world as we know it.

Start by implementing the Recycle-Reuse-Repurpose model into your daily life along with these 5 steps to take positive action:

1. Change incandescent light bulbs in your home to florescent or other energy efficient ones.  This will help save the earth while saving you money!
2. Drink filtered tap water rather than bottled water.  The plastic from bottled water clogs up land fills and has been linked to certain forms of cancer when exposed to heat!
3. Turn your thermostat down to 65 degrees in the cool months and 75 degrees in the warm months.  Better yet, when it is cold in the house, put on a sweater and some socks (if it isn't below zero outside)! 
4. Showers should never exceed 5 minutes.  Set a timer for adults as well as children.
5. Plant a tree !  Planting trees in the earth takes dedication and effort.  By making a choice to plant a tree, you are giving back to the earth and showing those around you that you care.  Be a role model to your family and neighbors and plant a tree today!

One more thing that can make a big difference: There are approximately 27.4 billion disposable diapers entered into landfills every year.  This number can be reduced dramatically because the fact is... kids don't need to be in diapers after age 3, especially since it is so toxic to the environment.  Forget about the diapers to crawl, swim, sleep and potty train and witness the ear to ear grin when you introduce your child some big kid underwear!  If you are worried about permanently damaging your child by potty training too early, think about this: in the 1950s 80% of children were potty trained by age 2. 

Okay, so not all kids love big kid underwear, but what lasts longer the earth or dipaer rash?

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