Mega Magical Mission 365 Days Green Kids!
Poseidon Protector of the Oceans!
Mega Magical Mission 365 Days Green Kids!
A MEGA welcome back to the Earth Cadets Education Magical Missions! I hope your all having or had an awesome time with the previous 3 missions.
This current mission is a MONSTROUS one of MOUNTAINOUS proportions!
Your mission is to begin your cadet training to become a 365 Days Green Kid!
But don’t despair as it’s not designed to be completed in a week or two!
I wouldn’t be giving justice to the earth or you if I created a quickly accomplished mission, as your relationship with the earth is a lifelong activity.
I’ve provided 365 exciting green tips, activities and resources that can be enjoyed over the course of a year.
Or two!
But don’t rush your adventure! Extend what’s provided. Use these ideas to inspire your own projects and discover your own green-eco interests.
If some of the eco-ideas and tips are not relevant to you then pass them onto your family, friends, acquaintances…in fact everyone and anyone! 
During your apprenticeship you’ll have the important duty of being the voice of the earth.
Take action to learn everything you can about the earth and encourage others to care for and protect our blue planet.
Always be compassionate, respectful and kind to your fellow humans.
365 Days Green Kid!
As recognition of your Eco-awesomeness I’m going to create certificates for each of the 4 missions. I’ll post them up on the educational resources page soon.
I’ll be creating several certificates for the #4 mission, as I’m sure you don’t want to wait a year or two!
You’ve likely heard of the 3 R’s. It’s what you learn everyday during home education or schooling:
‘Reading, Writing and Arithmetic’
Well there’s also the 3 alternative R’s which you’ll cover in these missions: ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!’ As well as the 3 E’s: ‘Excitement, Enjoyment and Enrichment!’
There is only one rule that you must follow during your Junior Eco-Activist journey:
And that’s to always remember that no action is too small or insignificant!
Enjoy!
Mega Magical Mission 365 Days Green Kids!
Start an Earths Cadet journal and record all your eco activities. It only has to be a sentence for each day or can be as elaborate as you wish. Include some pictures and photos. It’ll be an awesome record of your eco-greatness and relationship with the earth! I would love it if you would leave a comment or two below this post about your eco-adventures and which ones you enjoyed the most.Also send in your eco-drawings or photos of any eco-crafts you complete to the website,and they’ll be published within the readers submissions.
Go on an energy mission and switch of electric lights and plugs left on standby as electricity is being wasted. You’ll reduce your parents electric bill!
Find out about your Ecological Handprint:https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ecological-Handprint-2018.pdf and resource guide:https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ecological-Handprint-Backgrounder.pdf and learning outcomes for your parents:https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ecological-Handprint-Learning-Outcomes.pdf
If your aged 6-15 years then earn all the Blue Peter badges by doing awesome green activities!You’ll get free entry to lots of attractions. Find more out here:https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/joinin/about-blue-peter-badges
Encourage your parents to use the cooler cycle, 30 degrees,on the washing machine to save energy heating water. Most washing powders work their magic at lower temperatures.
Always fill up your washing machine to its capacity rather than one or two items. This will avoid wasting energy heating all the water up just for a few garments.
Take a material reusable bag everywhere you go incase you make an impromptu purchase and encourage your parents to always take reusable bags for shopping.
Defrost the freezer! Tell your parents that not defrosting the freezer at least annually is costing them more money in their electricity bills. Freezers have to use more electricity when they have to much frost build up.
Always try and keep the freezer stocked as then it will use less energy keeping everything frozen. When you open the door of a near empty freezer the cold air escapes and warm air moves into the freezer. The freezer has to work really hard to maintain the correct temperature.
Never leave the fridge door open for longer than a few seconds. The cold air will escape and your fridge will have to work extra hard to keep everything cool again. Wasted energy and money! You might think it doesn’t matter as its only a little thing but all the little things add up to a big electricity bill!
If your family has a microwave then use it for foods such as baked potatoes. Using the microwave instead of turning on the oven can save nearly half the energy it would have taken for the oven! Your parents will save money on their electricity bills!Learn more about microwaves here:http://sciencewithkids.com/science-facts/facts-about-microwaves.html
Learn about your carbon footprint:https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/FootprintClimateChange2019.pdf and the resource guide:https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Carbon-Footprint-Backgrounder.pdf and learning outcomes:https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Carbon-Footprint-Learning-Outcomes.pdf
Don’t chew gum! It’s got plastic in it! It didn’t always have plastic as an additive. Iceland now stock a plant-based chewing gum made with Chicle which is created from Sapodilla tree sap. Which is what people used to chew before the plastic was added after WW2!
Dragon Tree
Encourage your parents to buy plastic free tea bags. Research where to buy them and what brands are plastic free. To start you of PG TIPS pyramid tea bags are biodegradable and plastic free.
Learn important life lessons (gender equality,clean water and sanitation,quality education,sustainable cities and communities,responsible consumption and production and life on land) with these awesome Thomas the Tank Engine video clips and parent guides:https://www.allaboardforglobalgoals.com/en-us#video-transcript-modal
Learn about endangered species:https://www.worldwildlife.org/species
When washing dishes always fill the sink up to how much water is required. Don’t leave the tap running as it wastes valuable water.
Always carry a reusable water bottle. Fill it with tap water and ask for refills at cafes and petrol stations.
Encourage your parents to carry a reusable hot drinks cup. Many cafes offer a discount if you use your own cup for hot drinks.
Invest in some metal or bamboo straws. Always use paper straws outside in cafes if its an option. Never use plastic straws.
Write letters to local eating establishments and shops if you spot them selling or handing out plastic straws, cutlery, drink stirrers, single-use cups and little plastic sachets of tomato sauce, mayonnaise, vinegar etc. Inform them that they can save money and the earth by switching to more sustainable items.
Do some more literary activism and write letters and send emails to your local MP’s, prime minister, councils,school,even the Queen! Ask for whatever environmental cause you want action for.If they don’t reply just send another till they do. Check out this post for more information:https://earthcadetseducation.com/literary-activism-have-your-child-bombard-supermarket-chains-government-and-councils-with-their-words/
Meet 30 kids who changed the world with their actions:https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/inspirational-stories/g5188/kids-who-changed-the-world/
Pay attention when your food shopping with your parents.If possible encourage your parents to buy loose vegetables, fruits, cereals, pulses, cheese etc. If loose, package-free foods are not available or its too expensive then send letters to the guilty shops and demand change!
Bring along your own containers and reusable bags to transport your loose foodstuff home.
Make use of your local library for book supplies. You’ll accumulate less material stuff, save resources, save money and have access to lots of wonderful knowledge and stories to get lost in. It’ll also help your community to keep their libraries. Many libraries are under threat of closure which would be a devastating blow for any community.
Reuse junk mail,magazines,leaflets, and used paper to create cool paper beads!Follow this video for easy instructions:https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/how-to-make-paper-beads/ Look up paper bead jewellery on Pinterest and you’ll see awesome creations that are sure to inspire you!These are a great item to make in bulk for fundraising purposes.
Encourage your parents to turn the heating down during the summer months! Even a few degrees will make a huge difference. Some people keep their heating on year round even throughout the summer months just because they don’t think about it. Put on a warm jumper rather than turning your heating up! Your body quickly adapts to slight temperature changes.
Save all your ice lolly or popsicle sticks. Then create these cool picture frames:https://artisticjunkie.com/popsicle-stick-picture-frame/
Have more lights out nights. Each year during Earth hour millions of people, landmarks, communities and businesses worldwide switch off their electricity for an hour. Have a lights out evening and read stories and play games by candlelight. Being in the Scottish Highlands we experience quite a few power cuts during the winter and my kids love them! Their actually disappointed when the lights are restored and often we’ve just left them off and carried on with our fun!
- Check out this Pdf of Planet friendly recipes for fun in the kitchen:https://www.sustainablelearning.com/sites/default/files/asset-files/www-planet-friendly-food.pdf
Take part in a citizen science project. Find out more here:https://earthcadetseducation.com/let-your-childs-adventure-begin-become-a-citizen-scientist/
Have a 5 minute rubbish pickup blast challenge. All you need is some gloves, litter pickers, some bags and a stopwatch timer. Time a 5 minute countdown and each person taking part has 5 minutes to blast as much rubbish as possible into their bags. The winner is the one with the fullest bag at the end!
Take part in any local litter picks and beach clean ups. Or start your own, make posters and write a press release letter to the editor of your local newspaper!
Take home-packed food when your family goes for a day out to local attractions, museums, centres, shopping etc. Museums usually have packed lunch areas and shopping centres usually have general seating spaces near their open-plan eating places.When we visited London last year we were able to use the schools pack lunch area at the British Museum as we are homeschoolers. You’ll save food waste, money and energy resources. Plus it’s just more fun!
Learn about foraging for free food in your local area. Free nutritious food! Learn about the British Foraging laws here:https://britishlocalfood.com/foraging-british-law/ If you live outside Britain make sure you check your countries/states laws. Find out here what treats you can forage for and when:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/things-to-do/foraging/
Be adventurous and try a new fruit or vegetable each week or every few weeks!
Dragon Fruit
Say no to over processed sweets that come loaded with artificial flavours, colours and preservatives! Their ingredient list is usually long, unpronounceable and alien!And they harm your health and the planet. Research healthier natural choices. There’s so many delicious foods you could be enjoying! Here’s some ideas to get you inspired:https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-snacks-for-kids#section23
Turn off the TV, computer, tablet or phone and play a board game or two with your family and friends. You’ll be surprised at how much fun board games can be!Your family will save electricity, money and will experience quality time together.
Make sure you get at least 60 minutes of active exercise outside each day. This is the recommended amount for school kids. While your outside don’t forget to appreciate the natural wonders around you!If you spend time in nature each day your more likely to be motivated to care for the earth. Plus you’ll be healthier and emotionally happier!
Remember to switch of your phone charger once it’s completed its charging cycle. Don’t leave it plugged in for hours. It’ll waste electricity and money.
If possible turn your phone or tablet screen to a lower setting so it’s not always blaring at full light.Your battery will last longer and you’ll use less electricity. Plus you’ll be less likely to experience eye strain.
If a car journey isn’t necessary then walk or cycle. This will use less resources and reduces your carbon footprint. Plus it helps keep you healthy with all the extra exercise.
Watch all of the amazing Bill Nye The Science Guy episodes on YouTube!:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zuNdsXRcfMThB81edcSxSYQqG_41JMg
Check out the Bill Nye The Science Guy episode guides:https://billnye.com/the-science-guy
Now get busy and do the experiments from Bill Nye The Science Guy yourself!https://billnye.com/home-demos
Research potential green-eco jobs and careers that might inspire you for the future or help you plan academic learning.Though considering that many jobs of the future haven’t been invented yet, it’s possible that you’ll come up with new job ideas!:https://www.greenjobs.co.uk/
Embrace the wonky fruit and veg! It has character unlike the perfect specimens that cost much more to buy!Offering wonky fruit and vegetables for sale in supermarkets helps reduce waste, energy and lost money from just rejecting the produce before it reaches the supermarket. It tastes just the same.
Advice your parents not to take the car if it’s for just one chore. Wait till there’s many chores to do then do them all at once. This will save fuel, time and money!
If you have any elderly or ill neighbours, enquire if they’d like anything from the shops when your family goes for shopping in the car. It’ll save energy resources and foster good neighbour relations!
Chameleon
If you don’t have a car but do have elderly or ill neighbours why don’t you volunteer to run some errands for them? You’ll get more exercise and feel great at being a responsible, caring citizen!
Carry shopping home if the shop is near your home. Weight bearing exercise is really good for your heart, bones and muscles!
Ask your parents to drive a bit slower and smoother! This means less revving the engine when accelerating and slowly reducing their speed when coming to a stop.This will save unnecessary fuel waste leading to less CO2 emissions.
Learn about the Nuclear Energy debate and do some fun educational challenges:https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/docs_f_o/nuclear_energy_the_good_the_bad_and_the_debatable_508.pdf
Register here to download a fun sustainability board game:https://go-goals.org/
If your local area has any fun runs or triathlons for your age group then take part if possible. Often the entrance fee is for a good cause. Also you’ll get outside and burn more energy! And spend less time on electronics. A win for you and the earth!
Take your family to a green space and orchestra a mediation session! Get your family to be mindful of everything they see, hear, smell, touch and taste. Here’s a link to some easy meditation scripts to inspire you:https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/free-meditation-guided-relaxation-scripts-kids/
Replace your plastic toothbrushes with bamboo ones. The bamboo handles can be composted.
Change to pump-action toothpaste tubs as these can be recycled. Normal toothpaste tubes are difficult to recycle and can’t usually be added to your recycle bin. Check with your local council.
Replace plastic wrap with silicone stretch lids, reusable mesh bags,beeswax food wraps or vegan wax food wraps. It may cost more at the beginning but once you have them you no longer need to buy cling film or tin foil. Also your food will stay fresher for longer which means less food waste and less money wasted when the food is binned.
Use bamboo or metal camping cutlery for picnics rather than disposable plastic ones.
A good gift for family members birthdays or other special days are bamboo razors for shaving. Rather than plastic razors that create waste.
Ask your parents if they have a knife sharpening stone. If they don’t tell them they can save money and energy by sharpening their kitchen knives rather than purchasing new ones when their old ones get blunt. Also chopping fruit and vegetables with a blunt knife increases the risk of accidents as more effort is needed to slice through food.
Replace face wipes and make up wash pads with reusable washable wipes!
Encourage your parents to only fill the kettle with enough water to make the drinks they need. Overfilling the kettle wastes lots of energy when you add it all up over the year.
Shop at charity shops.Read this guide to shopping at charity shops:https://www.savethestudent.org/shopping/dos-and-donts-of-charity-shopping.html
Instead of using a hair dryer try and let your hair dry naturally. It’ll be better for your hair as too much heat can cause split ends and leave your hair brittle.You’ll save electricity and your parents money!
Find out about reducing carbon emissions in the UK:https://www.wwf.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/reducing-carbon-emissions-uk
Donate unwanted toys, clothes, shoes and bric a brac to charity shops. Rather than just chucking it out.
Donate old blankets, towels and pet items to dog and cat shelters/homes.
If you have a pet, sign up to receive the PDSA free pet first aid guide:https://www.pdsa.org.uk/get-involved/our-campaigns/free-first-aid-guide
Have clothes swapping parties with your friends.You and your friends get new clothes. Less waste, money saved and a fun time had!
Take part in meat free monday or other veggie challenge. Every meat free meal helps reduce carbon emissions!Check out this post for more information:https://earthcadetseducation.com/mum-dad-i-wanna-be-a-vegan-s-o-s/
Check out this ‘Pack a Waste Free lunch’ poster:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/wastefreelunch_poster_508.pdf
Plan a ‘Waste Free Pack Lunch Menu’ for the week with this activity:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/packwastefreeandhealthy_menu_508.pdf
If your not in school but home educated use the table in this link to track the types of waste your food generated for a week of lunches:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/didyoupackawastefreelunch_508.pdf
Learn how to repair clothes, stitch on patches etc. You’ll look unique and cool!Check out this page for handy instructions:https://www.wikihow.com/Sew-a-Patch-on-a-Uniform
Take on a cause and fundraise. Check out this site for ideas:https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ideas/fundraising-for-kids
Take part in a peaceful demonstration or strike such as the Fridays For Future.Find out more here:https://www.fridaysforfuture.org/
Make videos for a vlog about your cause or write blog posts.
Check out this resource pack full of activities and lessons on ‘Quest for Less’ a guide to waste reduction and resource conservation:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/qfl_complete.pdf
When you need a new book consider second hand copies. Though it’s always nice to have a brand new book once and a while!
If you have unneeded gloves, hats,scarfs, sleeping bags or other warm gear consider donating it to a homeless person or a homeless shelter.
Learn about ‘environment and health’ with this website packed with stories,experiments,activities,colouring,games,meet the scientists and lessons. Also watch the video about your body’s micro biome:https://kids.niehs.nih.gov/topics/environment-health/index.htm
Set your book free!Discover bookcrossing and keep track of your books adventures!https://www.bookcrossing.com/?
Make eco-bricks. You’ll reduce your household waste and construct useful stuff. Some organisations will collect your eco-bricks for larger projects: https://www.ecobricks.org/how/
Do a household rubbish survey. Find out how much rubbish your family actually generates and then brainstorm what you can do to reduce it. Find out here: http://kidsciencechallenge.com/pdfs/2011activities/Zero-Waste_Protector-of-the-Planet.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3a1WsJcExSZx0GCuHjl-x3uJL6vJ5Me3bXASDoyDEICUk7v4lb4DD5fwo
Create your own eco-cleaning products. Find out here:https://earthcadetseducation.com/earth-cadet-mission-1-junior-eco-domestic-technician/
Create your own eco-pampering and beauty products. Find out here:https://earthcadetseducation.com/earth-cadets-magical-mission-3-junior-eco-beautician/
Create your own eco-natural complementary medicine chest for minor ailments and illnesses. Find out here:https://earthcadetseducation.com/earth-cadet-magical-mission-2-junior-eco-pharmacist/
Educate yourself. Make sure you watch all the important documentaries and films about the environment. Some examples:
‘War on Plastic with High and Anita’ on BBC and catch up on BBC Iplayer.https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0005xh7
‘Eco Kids’ series presented by kids. It’s about how kids can help the environment. Find it on Amazon Prime. If you don’t have prime you can get a 30 day free trial. Probably enough time to watch the whole season!https://www.amazon.co.uk/Recycling/dp/B01N75FORE/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=eco+documentaries&qid=1561558741&s=instant-video&sr=1-1
‘Our Planet’ on Netflix. If you don’t have netflix you can get it free for a month. Might be worth it just to watch this awesome series then cancel!https://www.netflix.com/search?q=our%20pl&jbv=80049832&jbp=0&jbr=0
‘If I were an animal’ on Netflix. A cute but informative series for younger kids:https://www.netflix.com/search?q=if%20I%20were%20an%20animal&jbv=80189586&jbp=0&jbr=0
‘Blue Planet’ season 1 on Netflix:https://www.netflix.com/search?q=if%20I%20were%20an%20animal&jbv=70235731&jbp=4&jbr=8
‘Blue Planet’ season 2 on Netflix:https://www.netflix.com/search?q=if%20I%20were%20an%20animal&jbv=80990571&jbp=1&jbr=11
‘The End of Meat’ (ages12+) on Amazon Prime:https://www.amazon.co.uk/End-Meat-Steve-Jenkins/dp/B07NVYWP2N/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+end+of+meat&qid=1561559610&s=gateway&sr=8-1
‘The Boy who Harnessed the wind’ film on Netflix:https://www.netflix.com/search?q=the%20boy%20who%20harne&jbv=80200047&jbp=0&jbr=0
‘He named me Malala’ documentary on Netflix:https://www.netflix.com/search?q=i%20am%20malala&jbv=80048218&jbp=0&jbr=1
Learn about Aquatic Food Webs:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life-education-resources/aquatic-food-webs
Learn about Coral Reef Ecosystems:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life-education-resources/coral-reef-ecosystems
Learn about Life in an Estuary:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life-education-resources/life-in-estuary
Learn about Marine Mammals:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life-education-resources/marine-mammals
Learn about Sea Turtles:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life-education-resources/sea-turtles
Do the ‘A pot of pollution test’ and investigate different types of pollutions effects on plants:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/apotofpollution.pdf
Learn all about acid rain and why its so bad for the environment:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf and https://www3.epa.gov/acidrain/education/site_students/index.html and for younger primary aged kids: https://www3.epa.gov/acidrain/education/site_kids/index.htm
If possible find someone to repair or renovate old electricals and furnishings rather than automatically purchasing replacements.
If you own a bicycle learn how to maintain it and then you’ll have your own transport and the independence and knowledge on how to fix it! Find more information here:https://a2zhomeschooling.com/explore/health_fitness_kids/bike_maintenance_kids/
If your family eats fish ask the fishmonger or check the label to see if its from sustainable sources.Check out the Good Fish Guide:https://www.sustainabilityexchange.ac.uk/files/msc_good_fish_guide_2016.pdf
Always buy dolphin friendly tuna or fish. Dolphins and other marine mammals can get caught up in nets and drown.
Replace plastic dog poop bags with ones made with biodegradable corn starch.
Buy dog and other pet biscuits and treats from pet shops that offer it in large tubs or help-yourself containers. Bring your own tub to transport them home after you’ve weighed out what you need. Less packaging! Pets at Home do doggie pick and mix.
Bake your own dog biscuit treats! It’s easy and your dog or any dog you know will love them! No packaging and you’ll save money!Find an easy recipe here:https://earthcadetseducation.com/earth-cadets-education-news-for-kids-dogs-in-the-news-1st-edition/
Learn to bake your own cookies, biscuits, cakes, muffins, pancakes and scones.It’s lots of fun and you’ll learn awesome lifeskills. Plus they taste better, save excessive packaging and reduce food miles!Here’s some recipes to get you started:https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/kids-baking
Find out how bugs could be our food of the future with this video!:https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2019/05/01/insects-bugs-food-pollination-soil-extinction-crisis-life-support/
Find out how coral reefs can save lives with this video:https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2019/05/02/coral-reefs-save-lives-tsunami-mangroves-flooding-life-support/
Find out how sea creatures control the climate with this video:https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2019/05/03/sea-creatures-control-climate-krill-antarctic-carbon-life-support/
If your family is considering adopting an animal companion think about rehoming one that has lost its home or is unwanted.
Have more showers than baths. Baths are lovely but keep them for special occasions if you want to help save the earth! A full bath can hold up to 50 gallons of water! Whereas a quick shower can use about 20 gallons or less.
Don’t leave the taps running when you brush your teeth. Lots of water will be wasted down the plug hole!
Ask your parents if you can replace the light bulbs for energy saving ones. It doesn’t have to be all at once, but one bulb every so often. They cost more but your family will save money in the long run as they’ll last much longer. Find out more here:https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/energy-saving-light-bulbs.html
Find out about GreenPeace and how your family could volunteer:https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/what-you-can-do/groups/
If you have a garden ask if you can plant a tree or several. Or find out if there any tree planting ceremonies in your local area where you can go and help plant trees.
If your communities have allotments/community growing gardens/projects etc then what are you waiting for? You can grow your family lots of awesome nutritious foods!
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden then dig a little vegetable or potato patch.Vegetables, salad, strawberries,potatoes and herbs all grow happily in containers that will fit into the smallest green space. Even used gutters make perfect containers! Alternatively plant some herbs in recycled pots for a kitchen window garden.
Recycled Bumper Car Bench
Adopt a local tree. Look out for its welfare. Check it regularly for signs of ill health.Some activities for you and your tree:https://www.plt.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/PLTPreK-8_Activity-21_Adopt-a-Tree_Student-Page_Adopt-a-Tree-Activities.pdf and an adoption certificate for your tree:https://www.plt.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/PLTPreK-8_Activity-21_Adopt-a-Tree_Student-Page_Adopt-a-Tree-Certificate.pdf
Learn about the Gulf Oil Spill:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts-education-resources/gulf-oil-spill
Learn about Ocean Acidification:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts-education-resources/ocean-acidification
Learn about Ocean Currents:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts-education-resources/ocean-currents
Learn about Ocean Floor features:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts-education-resources/ocean-floor-features
Learn about Ocean Pollution:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts-education-resources/ocean-pollution
Learn about Tides:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts-education-resources/tides
Learn about Tsunamis:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts-education-resources/tsunamis
Help Nemo Find His Way Home with this lesson plan and game board:http://www.cisanctuary.org/ocean-acidification/PDFs-WorkshopPage/help_nemo_find_his_home_lesson_Sept%2021_15.pdf
Take a Mysteries in the Ocean lesson and make a clay model of the seafloor:https://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/2011/LessonPlans/Soder/Mysteries_in_the_Ocean_soder_lesson%20plan.pdf
Become a Winged Ambassador and learn about seabirds and Albatrosses:http://www.downloadwingedambassadors.org/
Check out the Sea Watch Foundation. Here you can report any sightings of marine mammals in the UK:https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw/ For those living in the USA report whale sightings and injured whales here:http://wildwhales.org/sightings/
Complete this fun Manatee activity book:http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/flagler/sea-grant/pdf-files/manatee-curriculum/FWC-activity-book-grades-3-5.pdf
Check your knowledge about fish!Take the fun Fish IQ test:https://www.afsc.noaa.gov/Education/Activities/fish_iq_quiz.htm
Feed the garden birds. Especially during the winter months. A link to what to feed:https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/inthewild/feedinggardenbirds
Feed the swans and ducks!All kids love doing this!Have a look at an article on the campaign that tried to stop kids from feeding bread to the ducks and swans:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/14/campaign-against-feeding-ducks-bread-starving-birds-warns-queens/
Report any injured or sick wildlife to the RSPCA or SSPCA.What to do if you see injured wildlife: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals If you witness animal cruelty report to:https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty and for Scotland:https://www.scottishspca.org/contact-us/
Sign the World Wildlife Fund pledge to help stop Wildlife crime:https://support.worldwildlife.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=664&_ga=2.12453556.1284131627.1561468484-1486903656.1561468484
Find out which live animals and animal products you need to think carefully about purchasing and which ones may be illegal:https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/buyer-beware
Learn about and report invasive plant or animal species:http://www.nonnativespecies.org/index.cfm?sectionid=81
Visit ‘Rad Town’ and learn all about radiation in the world:https://www.epa.gov/radtown
Ensure your family follows all the recycling rules for your local area. It depends on which area you live whether you have food waste bins, gardening waste, glass waste and it can vary by area what should and shouldn’t go in each bin. Designate yourself as the Chief Recycler for your home!
Learn about noise pollution with this fun activity booklet:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-07/documents/ochp_noise_elem_book.pdf
Purchase foods from the reduced section in supermarkets. It’ll cut down on food waste but also the foods are still fresh and your family will save money!
Ask your parents not to buy eggs in plastic egg boxes. Always buy cardboard egg boxes that are easily recycled.
Discover some ideas on what to do with egg cartons:https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/10-uses-egg-carton and for egg carton crafts here’s 26 really cute ideas: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/egg-carton-kids-crafts-4129406
Boycott foods that contain unsustainable palm oil.Check foods to see if there labelled sustainable palm oil. This type of palm oil is harvested from the Amazon rainforest by a technique called slash and burn. The burning fumes affect families living close by and they can get sick with respiratory illnesses. Also lots of animals lose their homes and become orphans. Not to mention all the plant species that are destroyed.Here’s a list of everyday foods and products that may contain palm oil:https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/which-everyday-products-contain-palm-oil
Buy Fairtrade whenever possible. It helps promote sustainable foods and provide employment for families that really need it.Find Fairtrade resources here:https://schools.fairtrade.org.uk/resource/?map=true#page-1
If possible buy organic fruit and vegetables especially for foods where the peel is generally consumed. Don’t worry about buying organic produce where the peel is removed such as bananas or oranges. if you can’t afford organic then don’t fret as your probably doing a lot to save the earth already. My family finds it difficult to purchase organic as its so expensive where we live. Find out more about organic farming here:https://www.forteachersforstudents.com.au/site/themed-curriculum/organic-farming/facts/
Instead of buying multipacks of crisps,chocolate,sweets or individual yogurts you could buy the family size packs/pots and then weigh out individual servings. It’s not ideal but at least your saving on the individual wrappings as well as the outside wrapper.
Encourage your family to make extra potions when they cook soup, stew and casseroles. Then freeze the extra potions for future dinners. This will save energy and money as you get the maximum use out of the energy used to cook your dinner. And less cooking and energy for a future dinner.
Don’t throw leftovers away. Cool and then freeze. Even if it’s just one potion. Have leftovers for quick lunches.
Spend time with your family planning meals for the week or a few days at a time. This way your family will save money as food won’t be wasted and less energy will be spent wondering what to eat for dinner!
Chuck all past their best veggies into a big pot and add veggie stock and cook. A big pot of nutritious vegetable soup! And no waste. You might prefer to blend it all up. This would be fine to freeze for a later date. It doesn’t matter if your carrots and celery have gone floppy! As long as there not mouldy they’ll taste fine.
If you have a dog then cook vegetable scraps till soft, such as potato peelings as long as they are not green,carrot tops and peelings, celery bottoms and broccoli stalks, and mix these in with your dogs dinner! There nutritious and you never know your dog may love them! My daughters dog Shadow can’t get enough of vegetables and their stock. He thinks there delicious!Here’s a link to what dogs can and can’t eat:https://petjam.co.uk/blogs/petjam-blog/10-top-fruits-and-vegetables-that-are-safe-for-your-dog-to-eat Add to that list poppy seeds and lemons as these are not good for dogs either!
Learn to bake bread. It’s fun and you can get creative by adding allsorts of ingredients to create artisan breads. Vegetables, cheeses, herbs etc. It’ll mean less packaging and more nutrition. Not to mention it tastes and smells delicious! Find an easy bread recipe here:https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/10121/bread-in-four-easy-steps
Try not to use the oven for just one dish. If your roasting some food then maybe you can get a tray of fairy cakes in as well. This saves energy and your family’s electricity bill.
Learn about the Water Cycle:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/freshwater-education-resources/water-cycle
Learn about Watersheds, Flooding and Pollution:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/freshwater-education-resources/watersheds-flooding-and-pollution
Learn about Air Quality, Climate,Clouds, Earth System,Seasons,Soil and Water using these awesome Pdf story modules:https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe
Read this educational but fun story book about an incident in the Pacific Ocean. A ship had a container of 29,000 bath toys including rubber ducks fall into the ocean!Many washed up on shores after many years!:https://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/ocean_education/DucksInTheFlow_lg.pdf
Lessons based on the toy duck incident:https://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/ocean_education/TheOceanInMotion.pdf and https://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/ocean_education/GoingWithTheFlow.pdf andhttps://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/ocean_education/DuckDuckData.pdf
If your family has a dripping tap make sure it gets fixed! Gallons of water can get wasted by leaking taps.
Start a compost bin if possible. Ask your local council to see if they provide compost bins. Some do free of charge.I use 3 old tyres at the bottom of my garden for a makeshift compost bin. Find out here what you can compost:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/what-can-you-compost.htm
If your parents buy compost for the garden ask if its peat free or reduced peat compost. Peat comes from bogs that are located in habitats that are under threat.If the peat continues to be over harvested this will have a negative effect on all the flora and fauna that rely on this boggy habitat.Find out more here:https://www.bordnamona.ie/company/bord-na-mona-story/biodiversity/peatland-species/
Ask your parents if they will invest in an electricity monitor. That way you can see how much electricity each appliance in your home is using and save your family money! Tell them its for home education purposes!https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/energy-monitors.html and find out more about electricity here:https://www.explainthatstuff.com/electricity.html
Go on an electricity and gas price comparison site and find out how much money your parents could save if they switched suppliers. There may even be a cheaper green electricity/gas option!https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/how-switch-energy-supplier-and-shop-better-deal/compare-gas-and-electricity-tariffs-ofgem-accredited-price-comparison-sites
Inform your parents that running the dishwasher if its not full will waste energy, water and money. Always wait till the dishwasher has a full load being running.
When your family purchases new appliances ask them to consider the energy rating. Learn about energy ratings here:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69295/pb13466-eu-energy-label.pdf
Play the online game FreeRice. For every correct answer the game donates rice to those who need it. http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1392
Use cloth towels instead of paper towels to dry your hands. This saves resources and reduces waste.
When you need to buy more stationary such as pencils and writing pads try source those made from recyclable materials. Materials used included newspapers, recycled paper, coffee cups, cd cases and water bottles!
Don’t use glitter! I know this is a hard one especially around christmas time with all the awesome christmas cards, decorations and crafts to do. This also includes glitter on clothes and makeup.Glitter adds to the oceans micro-plastic problem. Source some eco-glitter that is biodegradable then you don’t have to do without the glitter.
Learn all about the Ozone layer and why its so important to protect it:https://ozonewatch.gsfc.nasa.gov/education/index.html and check out this Ozone Depletion activity pack:https://www.lordgrey.org.uk/~f014/usefulresources/aric/Resources/Teaching_Packs/Key_Stage_3/Ozone_Depletion/pdf/Ozone_Depletion.pdf
Avoid hygiene products that have those little microbeads as they are little bits of plastic that adds to the pollution within our oceans. Products with microbeads can include toothpaste, handwash, body wash and rinses.
Research shampoos, conditioners and soaps that don’t come in plastic bottles. Construct a convincing argument for your parents to see if they’ll agree to considering a trial swap.
Take an inventory of any hazardous household products in your home and learn more about them with this resource:http://ehsc.oregonstate.edu/files/ehsc7/Reading%20Labels.Student.10.04.pdf
If you have an outdoor space to hang washing then make good use of it! Hang your washing outside and let the outdoor natural febreze scent your clothes. You could even add a line to a balcony. Alternatively hang your washing inside on clothes horses if possible near a breezy open window. It saves energy and money compared with using a tumble dryer.
Convince your parents not to spray weed killer or pesticides in the garden! Research the negatives of weedkiller on the environment and give a persuasive argument to your parents. A link to natural DIY herbicides:https://www.treehugger.com/lawn-garden/8-natural-homemade-insecticides-save-your-garden-without-killing-earth.html I was going to provide a link to natural weed killers but I actually love weeds especially dandelions,nettles,plantain and thistles.So I’m not going to promote herbicides even natural ones! You might need natural insecticides if your growing vegetables, herbs and fruits. Hopefully if you leave some ‘weeds’ to thrive the insects will take up home there and leave your produce alone!
Write a letter to your local council asking them not to use weedkiller in your neighbourhood.
Encourage your parents not to remove all weeds from your garden! They are our native plants, unless their invasive, and deserve a chance to flourish. Plus they are little ecosystems that provide shelter and food for lots of minibeasts. More minibeasts means more birds and so on. Give nature a chance! Then your garden will be better than Netflix!
Learn about El Nino:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-atmosphere-education-resources/el-nino
Learn about Hurricanes:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-atmosphere-education-resources/hurricanes
Learn about Space Weather:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-atmosphere-education-resources/space-weather
Learn about Tornados:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-atmosphere-education-resources/tornadoes
Learn about Weather Observations:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-atmosphere-education-resources/weather-observations
Learn about Weather Systems and Patterns:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-atmosphere-education-resources/weather-systems-patterns
Inform your parents that leaving some cut grass on their newly mown lawn will fertilize their grass as it breaks down. Your family will save money not purchasing fertilizer and will have less packaging waste.
Never chuck your banana peel away. It’s perfect food for plants. Just chop it up and burying it under the soil around your plant. As it decomposes it releases nitrogen as well as depoisting manganese, potassium and calcium that nourish the plants roots. You can use this for pot plants as well. Money saved and less waste!
Install a little pond in your garden. Even if its a little basin at the bottom of your garden. It will soon be a thriving hub of life!
Reuse plastic tubs, yogurt pots, margarine tubs,fruit and veg trays,baked bean tins,1 litre and 2 litre plastic juice bottles, plastic milk cartons and anything else suitable to make your own plant pots and seedling starter pots. If using large juice bottles and milk cartons then you’ll need to carefully cut them in half. The top half could be used as little greenhouses to place over seeds and seedlings to help them germinate and stay warm. Tins look stylish with potted herbs for a kitchen window herb garden.
If your family has any food items they no longer need or are unlikely to consume, such as dried food in packets and tins then donate them to a food bank. There’s often food bank collection bins in local supermarkets.
Check out The Young People’s trust for the environment for factfiles, resources, ideas for projects and the latest UK environment news:https://ypte.org.uk/learn
Replace your batteries with rechargeable ones. You can do this gradually so it’s not a huge cost outright. It’ll save battery waste and money.
Use a wind up torch and radio. There fun, scientific and retro!http://www.carboncounted.co.uk/wind-up-technology-reduce-your-carbon-footprint.html
Recycle used batteries. Many local supermarkets have a battery collection bucket.Check out this site if your in the UK. I signed up as a home educator and received a battery collection box:https://nationalschoolspartnership.com/big-battery-hunt-faqs/
Make sure your parents take old car batteries to the recycling centre for proper disposal. Find out here what happens to your car battery during recycling:https://blog.firestonecompleteautocare.com/batteries/car-battery-recycling-why-its-important/
Make sure your parents take used strip lighting to the recycling centre. These can contain harmful chemicals. A few months ago I accidently dropped one in my kitchen and I had a major panic as grey powder stuff came out of the smashed strip. I thought I was going to poison my family and dogs with chemical fumes!
Ask your parents about your home’s insulation. Sometimes you can get a free insulation check and free loft insulation. Proper insulation will cut down electricity bills and leave you feeling much toastier!
Check that your windows and doors don’t have drafts coming through. Research what you can do to stop cold air coming inside through your household gaps. It’ll cut down your electricity bills if the drafts are sealed up as heat won’t be lost.
Find out all about lead and why its a problem for peoples health and the environment:https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/lead_and_your_health_508.pdf and https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/docs_f_o/healthy_homes_healthy_kids_heavy_metals_2001_508.pdf and https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/docs_f_o/get_the_lead_out_your_environment_your_health_508.pdf and
Find out how to avoid junk mail coming through your door. It’ll make a good research project! As well as saving trees, you’ll cut down on your household waste.
Ask your parents to sign up for paperless bills. Again it’ll save trees, materials and household waste.
Before you recycle an old bike find out if your local area has any bike renovation projects. They may take your old bike. A few years back the kids from the local school in my area did a bike renovation project. They spruced up old bikes and sold them to raise funds.
Before disposing of leftover unneeded paint, check your local area as often there’s a community club or individual looking for half filled tubs of paint that people don’t want, for their own projects.
Advertise unwanted goods on freecycle.https://www.freecycle.org/
Sign up to a toy library near you! Lots of exciting new toys to borrow. Save money and resources and never be bored!http://www.lendandplay.org.uk/ For young people with sensory problems, Autistic Spectrum Disorders,Acquired brain injuries and other additional needs you can borrow sensory toy boxes, books and e-books from:https://www.cerebra.org.uk/help-and-information/library/ When my daughters were younger we borrowed a few crates of sensory toys. They loved them!If you live in the USA or other countries do some research to see what’s available in your area.
Source other people’s unwanted goods on freecycle. What’s junk to others may be treasure for you.
Use community fridges! There for everyone in the community regardless of social status. By visiting one your helping your community and reducing its food waste. Find out more here:https://www.hubbub.org.uk/the-community-fridge
Make gifts instead of buying them. Your parents, family and friends will love the gift more because of the thought and time you put into the gift.
Consider giving charity gifts. Such as Oxfam gifts which include safe water for a family of 4, education for a child and my sons favourite gift he always wants to give: a pile of poo! https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/oxfam-unwrapped
If your old enough why not volunteer at a dog and cat shelter, food bank, soup kitchen or charity shop? It only needs to be a few hours a month and you’ll make a big difference and have an awesome addition to your CV.
Do a research project on John Muir and find out why he was a champion of green spaces!https://kids.kiddle.co/John_Muir
Learn some ecology with this list of fun resources https://sierraclub.bc.ca/education/teachers/educator-resources-by-topic/#InteriorEcology
When your travelling by train, bus or airplane always get an electronic ticket if there available, as it saves paper resources.
Sign an online petition and then sign many more!https://www.change.org/
Start your own online petition!https://www.change.org/start-a-petition?inspvar=false
Always send emails if you don’t need to send a letter. Although sometimes a letter is a nice thing to receive from your family and friends. Emails can save money on stamps, paper and envelopes and reduces waste.
If its an option buy recycled paper and then recycle it to maintain the cycle!
Don’t wrap your presents up in shiny wrapping paper or paper that is glittery as often it’s not recyclable.https://www.wragwrap.com/wrapping-paper-facts/
Forget the little christmas bows that never stick properly to parcels anyway. Have fun making your own paper bows to add a decorative touch to your gifts.Check out how to here:https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Bow
Consider giving the gift of time to your family and friends. I’m sure your parents would love a handmade ‘gift certificate’ that state that its worth 3 loads of dish washing or 1 hoovering duty or 2 days of emptying bins or doing recycling duties!
Find out about the top 10 extinct animals so that we don’t forget about them. You could create a powerpoint presentation for your family to enjoy:https://onekindplanet.org/top-10/top-10-worlds-extinct-animals/
Sharks are awesome creatures and deserve to live in peace!Take action against the selling of endangered sharks as meat products:https://onekindplanet.org/global-campaigns/enforce-stricter-labelling-of-shark-products/
Put National Insect Week 2020 in your diary now! It only comes around every 2 years so don’t miss out on the fun. Even if you don’t like bugs learning about them can spark an interest you never thought you had.https://www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk/ Do this fun lesson and find out why insects are important:https://www.ck12.org/biology/importance-of-insects/lesson/Importance-of-Insects-MS-LS/
Find out which species are being affected by habitat loss. You could write a report or prepare a speech:http://wwf.panda.org/our_work/wildlife/problems/habitat_loss_degradation/
Before you purchase something ask if it’s really necessary and if it will make a positive difference to your life. If it won’t leave it on the shelf! Life’s too short to waste it on useless materials! You’ll love your possessions all the more if you don’t have too many that you can’t enjoy them properly.
Use newspapers and magazines to wrap grifts. They’ll look stylish and futuristic!
Keep an empty bucket outside to catch the rain. Use the water for your plants.
Try not to use a sprinkler or hose pipe if it can be avoided.Find out here what hosepipe bans are:https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2018/07/customers-urged-to-cut-water-usage-to-avoid-hosepipe-bans/
Use cardboard boxes to play with. My 14 year old son can’t get enough of cardboard waste! He’s always got a cardboard project on the go. So far he’s created a complete samurai sword set and stand, samurai armour and helmet, spartan helmet, table, windmill, mazes,marble runs, trojan horse and more! The only limit is your imagination.Here’s some ideas:https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/family/things-to-do/cardboard-box-crafts-for-kids-284061
If you need a new mobile phone, computer or laptop consider a refurbished one. These should still come with warranties and can be as good as a new one. Bonus is you save money.Precious resources are saved as new items don’t need to be created.
If you need to recycle an old computer here’s a list of organisations that can gladly help:http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/computer.php
Stream music, movies, TV shows and games. Instead of buying the disk with all the packaging. It will cut down on waste, delivery miles, energy and hopefully money. Also it reduces your household clutter. A huge bonus is you won’t lose your favourites!
- Have a car boot sale or garage sale and sell all your unwanted things.https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Garage-Sale
Ask your parents to wash dish and duster cloths rather than throwing them in the bin.
Anything in your home that uses a filter should be regularly cleaned or replaced. Unclean, dusty filters means the equipment needs to use more energy as it needs to work harder to do its job.Stuff with filters include air conditioning, tumble dryers andhoovers. Clean filters means less carbon dioxide released into the environment.
When you need to print something if possible check the ‘print on both sides’ box as then you’ll save paper and money.
Always use both sides of your paper. If you’ve sketched on one side then use the other side for another sketch instead of automatically reaching for another piece.
If your printer ink provides bags to send back empty cartridges then ensure your parents send them back! They’ll get reused and refilled. Check if computer shops will refill your cartridges as some do. You could save money and plastic waste.https://www.stinkyinkshop.co.uk/pages/recycling-empty-cartridges
If you can’t decide between purchasing a desktop computer or a laptop then the earth’s argument is that laptops use less electricity to run. Therefore are better for the environment.
Enter the RSPCA’s Young Photographer Award. Categories include the human impact on animals and your pets. If your under 12 the category is animals around you. Entries open till 16th August!:https://young.rspca.org.uk/ypa/home
If your a teen and love animals you’ll want to join the RSPCA and gain certificates for your fundraising!:https://young.rspca.org.uk/teens/rewards
Younger Kids can check out the RSPCA fun activities and fundraising ideas:https://young.rspca.org.uk/kids/funstuff/fundraisingfun
If your mail comes in packaging/envelopes that looks like it could be reused for your own mail then do so!Why use brand new if perfectly suitable packaging comes through your door for free!
Also whenever you get gifts, open the wrapping carefully so that you can reuse it again!
Source and use biodegradable sellotape and parcel tape whenever possible.
Recycle used stamps. A link to charities that want your used stamps:http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/used_postage_stamps.php
Find out how to recycle old cds/dvds:http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/cds_and_dvds.php
Find out where to recycle old spectacles: http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/glasses.php
Find out how to recycle aerosol cans safely:http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/aerosol_cans.php
Find out what to do with those old videotapes. You might have to ask your parents what these are if your too young to remember! :http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/videotapes.php
Find out how to recycle an old mattress and what happens to it:http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/mattress.php
Find out if your old phone you no longer need is worth any money:http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/greenarticles/mobile_phone_recycling_price_comparison.php
Find out how to recycle your old mobile phone:http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/mobile_phones.php and find out what’s in your mobile phone that makes it so important to recycle:https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/tin_mining.pdf
Check out these virtual books on the rainforest:https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/pictures/choco-ecuador-kids
Repurpose all those christmas cards people generally don’t want to bin! Find lots of good ideas here. You’ll save lots of money!:http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/christmas_cards.php
Have a camera or camera equipment that you don’t need anymore? Donate it to Shutterhub Camera Amnesty where they help homeless photographers and refugees through the power of photography:https://shutterhub.org.uk/camera-amnesty/
Find out how to recycle coathangers:http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/coat_hangers.php
Recycle old clothes at H & M the clothing store. They purchase your clothes in any condition for a £5 voucher per bag!:https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/ladies/shop-by-feature/16r-garment-collecting.html
Get to know your local environment better. Map it out with this guide:https://sierraclub.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Barefoot-Mapping_8-12.pdf
Go old style and use cloth handkerchiefs and wipes. It’ll save money on toilet and tissue paper and generate less waste. They can be reused for years! Sew your initials onto your reusable hankies!
If you have baby or toddler siblings research cloth nappies for your parents. Tell your parents how much money they can save in the long run and how much waste they can avoid. Find out how long a nappy takes to break down in landfill.https://nestnappies.com.au/why-use-cloth-nappies/
Could you go a whole day without using energy?FInd out with this lesson:https://sierraclub.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/A-day-without-Energy_Lesson-Plan_4-7.pdf
Ask your parents to take back old medications to the chemist. They’ll dispose of them safely and they won’t end up on landfill where they could contaminate the area or poison wildlife. Don’t flush the pills down the toilet as it can contaminate the water and poison marine life.https://www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with/medicines-0
Recycle your Walkers crisp packets. Find out here where your nearest drop of point is:https://www.terracycle.com/en-IE/brigades/crisppacket
Recycle plastic bags at supermarkets that accept them. Some food wrappers/bags/film can also be recycled here that can’t be put in your recycle bin at home. Find out which ones your local supermarket accepts.
Tell your parents about reusable fruit and food pouches that can be filled up with fruit purees/yogurts etc. Just like the yogurt tubes/pouches you buy at supermarkets.The problem with these are that they are single use!
Find out what items you can recycle with TERRACYCLE:https://www.terracycle.com/en-IE/about-terracycle?utm_campaign=admittance&utm_medium=menu&utm_source=www.terracycle.com
Find out about some nifty ideas to reuse the stuff that can’t be recycled easily. Such as trendy bottle cap necklaces! https://earth911.com/home-garden/reuse-your-odd-plastic/
Brainstorm and try to try solve the problem of recycling wax paper!Plenty kids have come up with solutions.You might invent the next best thing!https://earth911.com/food/ask-the-editor-recycling-wax-paper/
Explore some of the world’s biggest issues:http://www.kidsgoglobal.net/the-issues
Learn about Aluminum recycling and take part in this competition. Home educators can register:https://learningaluminium.co.uk/aludtchallenge/
Ask your family and friends who have cars/vans/camper vans if their tyres are inflated to the correct level. Under Inflated tyres waste fuel and money! And release more carbon dioxide!
If your family lugs loads of stuff around in their vehicles that’s not exactly needed, inform them that they are wasting fuel and money just to cart their stuff around!
Take part in plastic-free July. If you miss it this year then you can do the challenge a different month!:https://www.plasticfreejuly.org
Embrace wooden toys and buy less plastic toys! I love wooden toys however I like the educational and play value lego provides for my son.
Put next years Earth hour in your diary!Join millions of others for one hour of no electricity use:https://www.earthhour.org/
Put the awesome 30 days Wild Challenge in your diarys for 2020:https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildness Though you don’t have to wait till next year. Do wild things all the time!
Take part in National Marine Week beginning in July 2019. If you miss it this year put it in your diary for next year:https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/get-involved/campaign/national-marine-week
If there’s a milk delivery in your area come up with a persuasive argument for your parents to convince them to give it a try. It’ll save plastic packaging as the bottles are glass. It will also support your local community. Plus its just cool to get your milk freshly delivered each morning!
Make good use of Project Gutenberg. You can access thousands of free e-books. You’ll save lots of money, as well as the resources it would have taken to create actual books and transport them to shops.https://www.gutenberg.org/
Don’t let your family get away without using their right to vote! Prepare a persuasive argument about why voting is essential for the earth. Find out about which parties and MPs are trying their hardest for the environment and if your family doesn’t vote ask them to vote for who you would like to see elected.
If your 16 and living in Scotland then make sure your registered to vote in local elections and then go out and vote when the time comes. Your vote matters!
If your 16 and not living in Scotland then find out about voting at 16 and who to petition so that you have the right to vote. Find out info here:http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zsbtbk7
Check out these UK government learning resources:https://www.parliament.uk/education/teaching-resources-lesson-plans/
Tell your parents to cut up plastic drink rings before recycling. Those plastic carry rings that often hold cans of beer together. Inquisitive wildlife can get their heads and bodies stuck in the rings.
Encourage your parents not to buy ready chopped vegetables and fruit. Tell them it’ll be a learning opportunity for you to chop the vegetables and fruit yourself. You could chop it all up in one go and place it in tubs in the fridge. Packaging waste will be reduced and your parents will save money!Here’s some tips on knife chopping safety: https://www.eatyourbeets.com/kitchen-tips/7-tips-for-teaching-your-kids-how-to-use-a-knife/
If you have tomato plants or marigolds in your garden feed them some used coffee grounds! They’ll love the extra acidicness this natural fertilizer provides. A bonus is that the coffee repel slugs and snails from eating your vegetables and plants.
Visit Recycle City!:https://www3.epa.gov/recyclecity/
Write environmental news articles or reports about what’s been happening in your local community. Or about a cause your supporting. Submit it to the home education newsletter: ‘Home ed Looks Like This’ and they might publish it for you!https://www.facebook.com/groups/1805782749459797/ If your at school see if you can submit articles to the schools newsletter/paper and if they don’t have one then what you waiting for? Start one!
Reuse old clean tyres in the garden to plant herbs, flowers and strawberries etc. I have several tyres with large healthy herbs growing in my garden. You can paint awesome patterns or block colours on the the outside of the tyre with non-toxic paint.Check out these awesome ideas for reusing tyres!https://www.boredpanda.com/recycling-tires-upcycling-diy-ideas/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic
Don’t buy plastic garden ornaments or decorations. Make your own natural art and sculptures. Use driftwood, stones, rocks, twigs, etc to create amazing one-of-a-kind statement pieces! Check out these ideas for inspiration: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/jnmadani/andy-goldsworthy-for-kids/
If your family has an old barbecue, chair, sink basin, even a bath these can all be repurposed into awesome plant containers for the garden. Rhubarb is an ideal plant to grow in an old bath!
Compost your coffee grounds. The coffee will attract lots of earthworms which are perfect for awesome compost!Learn about compost here:https://www.sustainablelearning.com/sites/default/files/asset-files/composting.pdf
Find out which house plants purify the air in your home! https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wellbeing/a668/houseplants-to-purify-house-air/Ask your parents if they’ll take you to the garden centre to choose one for your room or home. Tell them it’ll reduce the pollution in your home!
Find out about reverse vending machines which give you a discount token for your food shopping. Find out where your nearest one is. This link provides some information on the new scheme: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jan/02/plastic-bottle-deposit-scheme-in-uk-proving-a-hit-with-shoppers
If your parents use plastic lighters ask them to use matches instead as they can be recycled or composted after use.
Work out your family’s carbon footprint. You can do it here:https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
Have a staycation!Instead of travelling hundreds of miles explore nearer to home or in your own country. Afterall tourists probably come to visit your area. Plan lots of sightseeing trips and pretend your tourists!You’ll lower your carbon footprint and save money.Check out these tips for staycation adventures:https://www.huffpost.com/entry/enjoying-a-staycation-15-_b_5543286
Eat less meat and dairy products. You don’t have to give them up completely but if you eat less meat and dairy you’ll have less negative impact on the earth by reducing co2 emissions and the destruction of rainforests for meat and dairy farming.Check out these guides:https://vegsoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Why-Its-Green.pdf and https://vegsoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Veggie-Kids-Kitchen.pdf and https://vegsoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Veggie-Guide-for-teens-and-parents.pdf and https://vegsoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Going-Veggie…for-the-environment.pdf
Keep all the seeds, pips and stones from the fruit and vegetables that your family uses. Give them a chance to grow! Just pop them into a recycled pot or into the soil in your garden. And see what grows. Maybe a beanstalk like Jacks!
Check out the trainers/sneakers manufactured using coffee grounds and plastic bottles!:http://www.feedspot.com/?dadi=1#feed/f_4697706/article/5301894973?dd=431152267670760and Adidas’s 100% recycled trainers where you can return your shoes to Adidas when they’ve worn out and they recycle them again to create more trainers! Zero waste!:http://www.feedspot.com/?dadi=1#feed/f_4697706/article/5301894973?dd=431152267670760 Now design your own Eco trainer: https://pbskids.org/designsquad/build/sneaker-challenge/
Literacy learning in the woods is the best kind of learning!https://www.sustainablelearning.com/sites/default/files/asset-files/ks2english_lessonplan.pdf
Find out about Carbon Offsetting and have a debate about whether its a useful idea or not with your family:https://www.carbonfootprint.com/offsetshop.html
If you have a garden ask your parents if they’ll install a bat or bird house.https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/garden-activities/buildabatbox/
Start a family gratitude jar/old biscuit tin. Before each family member retires for the evening ask them to write one thing their grateful for in their lives.Roll the little bit of paper up and place it in the jar. Bonus points for gratitude’s that relate to the earth and environment! Such as ‘I’m grateful for our tree in the garden and the hard work it does absorbing pollution and giving us oxygen to breath’. These actions will help you be mindful of the natural world and what its doing for your health and well-being.At the end of the year you’ll have a huge jar full or several, of awesome gratitudes to look through and appreciate!
Appreciate all the different weather systems that your community experiences. Hail, thunder, lightening, snow, rain, blizzards. sunshine etc. Each one is a learning opportunity and a chance to get to know the earth better!Research each weather system and keep a weather chart.Find some here:https://www.sparklebox.co.uk/topic/world-around-us/weather-and-seasons/weather.html
Learn the different symbols weather forecasters use:https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/guides/what-does-this-forecast-mean
Start a local eco-club and invite your family, friends and local kids. Get them invested in protecting the local environment. Here’s some guides to help run your club and fundraise:https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Brainstorming_brown.pdf andhttps://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Communication_green.pdf and https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Faciliation_green.pdf and https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Leadership_orange.pdf and https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ProjectManagment_navy.pdf and https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/social_marketing_orange.pdf and https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Fundraising_blue.pdfand https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Youth_planning_sheet.pdfand finally:https://climatechangeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Meet-the-Skeptic-handout.pdf
An exciting educational project is to make your own paper from your households paper scraps!Less trees need to be sacrificed if paper is recycled. Also you can save fuel, energy and money by making your own!Find out here how to:https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Paper-at-Home
Create your own scrapbook pad! Gather together all the scrap paper your family discards and cut each bit to the pad size you would like. You could use a hole punch or other craft hole puncher to create holes and then use string, paper fasteners etc to keep the pages together. Use the little notebook to record telephone messages, shopping lists, ideas that you have, activities that you see advertised outside and want to remember, homeschool schedules,after school activities, homework etc. You could get fancy and use cardboard as a book cover and then cover it with any fabric that’s due for recycling.
Next time you need a tshirt or other type of top check out circular fashion. This is where the top that you purchased can be sent back to the manufacturer to be reused and made into other items and sold by the same company.Check out Rapanui. This company has woman, mens and childrens custom made tops: https://rapanuiclothing.com/collection/womens-organic-clothing/ With this company you’ll recieve a free return label so that when your top has had its day, you send it back to the manufacturer and they will give you a £5 money off voucher that you can use for your next top you order! Tops are organic and the energy used in production is renewable!
If your family don’t own bikes then discover where you can hire bikes and go explore a new town or village.
Use https://info.ecosia.org/about for your new search engine and every time you search on the web Ecosia will plant a tree!This enterprise is based in Germany and its search engine is powered by solar energy!
Check out these 20 awesome ways to reuse old credit cards/store cards!https://www.mobiletransaction.org/20-practical-ways-recycle-credit-card/
Get crafty with this creative list of 25 things to make from old cds/dvds:https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/24-wonderful-diy-ideas-with-old-cds.html
Get outside and learn some traditional natural braiding with long grasses, nettles and other plants. Find out here how to make rope from grass:https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/how-to-make-rope-from-grass and how to make string from nettles:https://www.greenmanbushcraft.co.uk/blog/bushcraft-articles-guides/how-to-make-nettle-string.htm
Learn the traditional craft of wood whittling! It will keep you off the screens and you’ll keep old traditions alive.Maybe you’ll get good enough to be able to sell your creations!Check out here for a simple project:https://www.instructables.com/id/Wood-Whittling-101/
If your household has a collection of old beaded jewellery thats lost its sparkle then carefully, with permission, deconstruct the jewellery and design some awesome jewellery creations that you or your family members will wear!
Discover ‘lost things’ in your environment. Just like the rat or magpie does, keep your beady eyes open for treasures lying around. Such as bolts, screws, nuts and other little metal parts that seem to just fall off vehicles!There usually rusty but that adds to the charm!My daughter has found a whole biscuit tin of these items and she uses hot glue to construct little ornamental sculptures such as owls and elephants. They look steampunkish and make great gifts. You’ll be cleaning up the environment and being creative at the same time. Just be careful if you spot any on the roads ask your parent for help to retrieve it.
Learn about the RSPCA’s #EndSkyLitter campaign:https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/endskylitter
Use eco-friendly glue for your craft projects. Its non-toxic so better for you and the earth.
Solve real world problems with Cisco’s STEM challenges. Found here:https://www.stem.org.uk/enrichment/competitions-challenges/cisco-little-big-futures
Break down barriers to cycling!Gather your friends or siblings together (ages 11-16 years and up to six in a group) and take part in this STEM competition and become an OVO Energy Innovator. Competition closes on the 9th August 2019 so get your entries prepared fast. Or put it in your diary for next year.https://www.stem.org.uk/become-ovo-energy-innovator
Check out the virtual field trips here: Theres VFT with marine biologists, conservationists, arctic scientists, climate change scientists, earth explorers, adventure photographers and many more! One of them may inspire your to come up with an innovative solution to one of the worlds problems or spark a career path that will help save the earth! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQkEzcH9f_9OylEdmALiWg/videos
Visit Practical Action and take part in one of their world problem challenges:https://practicalaction.org/stem
If your getting a drastic haircut of 7 in or more then consider donating your hair cut to The Little Princess Trust who will turn your hair into wigs for kids. Find out more here:https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/donate-hair/ If your not cutting your hair then raise awareness of this Trust and tell all your family and friends so they can donate if possible.
If you have lots of old t-shirts thats suitable for the rag bag then you could repurpose them into a funky rug for your bedroom. Find out here how to make a rag-rug:https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Rag-Rug
Don’t chuck your old jeans away if they still fit! Trim them into shorts and sew cool badges/patches on them to create a one of a kind new look for the summer months! Wear leggings under them for the winter months! Alternatively check out these awesome ways to repurpose your jeans:https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-fashion/15-ways-repurpose-old-jeans.html
Check out some of the world’s best eco-houses. Awesome but a little strange in design at times!:https://www.ovoenergy.com/blog/green/10-amazing-eco-friendly-houses.html This resource will help you design your own sustainable city:https://www.sustainablelearning.com/resource/my-green-city
Help Greenpeace in their campaign to reduce plastic waste:https://onekindplanet.org/global-campaigns/plastic-problem/
Get to know all the different recycling signs on packaging with this link:https://www.recyclenow.com/recycling-knowledge/packaging-symbols-explained
Remind your parents not to forget to rinse clean items destined for the recycling bin, such as tins, so as to not contaminate the recycling process.
Check out this handy recycling locator. Put in your postcode and it will locate all the recycling options available in your area:https://www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling?rlw-initial-path=local-authority/search
Take part in The Recycling Week campaign 23rd-29th September 2019:https://www.recyclenow.com/recycling-knowledge/recycle-week-campaign You could organise a local event or even just a family event!
Recycle your used any-brand pens, felt pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, correction fluid pots and correction tape.They’ll be melted down and remade into more pens etc.Find out your nearest collection point:https://www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/south-west-hampshire/in-the-know/what-do-you-do-with-your-old-pens-felt-tips-and-highlighters?fbclid=IwAR2Mo_j8u3hh43YhVRJ-A_YtKeUqgfLO6i_d6SP_ZJyNplwshpgHl88CHm4
Watch these videos to find out where your cans and jars go in the recycling process:https://www.recyclenow.com/recycling-knowledge/facts-and-info/recycle-forever
Repurpose clean used tin cans and use them as desk tidies. Pens and pencils look stylish stored in silver cans.
You can even use plastic bottles as desk tidies. Find out here some ideas:https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pencil-Holder-from-a-Water-Bottle
Just for fun find out how to survive a zombie apocalypse with National Geographic Kids!:https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/science/general-science/zombie-apocalypse-survival/
Take this fun Planet Protector Mission:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/4-6.pdf
Follow that trail! Another fun Environmental mission:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/k-3.pdf
Another Planet Protector Mission. Lots of colouring in!:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/jellyjar.pdf
Take the Trash and Climate Change Mission:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/k00-001.pdf
Print yourself a certificate for your good work with the Planet Protector Missions:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/e98002c.pdf
Learn how to do an environmental science fair project:https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/sciencefair.pdf
Check this resource out for inspiration on what projects you can do to help the environment within your community:https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/P100FEA5.PDF?Dockey=P100FEA5.PDF
Learn about the Carbon Cycle:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/climate-education-resources/carbon-cycle
Learn about the Changing Seasons:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/climate-education-resources/changing-seasons
Learn about Climate Change Impact:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/climate-education-resources/climate-change-impacts
Learn about Climate Monitoring:https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/climate-education-resources/climate-monitoring
Invest in some Sprout pencils for your home-learning or keep them in mind for an amazing eco-gift. When your pencil is too small to use you can plant them directly into soil and they will sprout a plant! There’s a seed capsule in the tip.Either flowers, herbs or vegetables!Find them on Amazon.
Sign up and take part in a https://www.zooniverse.org/ project. This site is full of citizen science projects that you can do online from the comfort of your home!Examples include looking at drone images to identify endangered species,search for undiscovered worlds,listen to seismic waves to detect earthquakes,help save burrowing owls and look at candid camera images and identify New York wildlife!All in a days home learning!
Find out about the new Foodprints for the Future movement. Similar idea to your carbon footprint but with food: https://foodprints.earthday.org/
Download the story book ‘Frieda and the Sustainability Developing Goals’ its about the 17 goals the United Nations developed for world sustainability and protecting the planet. The book is colourful, informative and fun.If the book doesn’t load when you click the link just click the download button that’s what I did!:https://issuu.com/unpublications/docs/frieda_2018
Water Dragon
Another Sustainable development kids book to read online or download:https://issuu.com/unpublications/docs/sdg_yak_en
A great book for all kids and adults to read is the story of Malala Yousafzai ‘I am Malala:The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban’. Can you imagine not being able to have an education?All you were destined for was for domestic work and you were not allowed an opinion on anything!You wouldn’t be able to have the amazing home education that your currently experiencing. Nor learn anything about our awesome earth.Even being shot didn’t stop Malala standing up to this treatment and achieving a Nobel Peace Prize! Read more about her life in her book!
A book recommendation I would give for all junior activists or for any young person or adult is ‘Me to We:Finding meaning in a material world’. This informative book is penned by Craig and Marc Kielburger who were activists during their teenage years. The Kielburger’s began the Me to We philosophy and founded the WE charity. Craig is now a human rights activist and social entrepreneur. Their book illustrates the amazing positive change that kids can achieve in their world. I read this book out loud to my family and I loved the personal stories.I’ve included a link below to the book but you can purchase a second hand copy on Amazon for under £4* delivered! (*As checked on 26/06/2019)
Mega Magical Mission 365 Days Green Kids!
Please Note: If you have any problems getting through to the educational resources with the links that I have provided throughout the 365 activities, let me know and I will try and solve the issue or source an alternative activity. Thanks!
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These selections would be ideal Christmas, Birthday or other Celebratory presents for eco-conscious family and friends. I gifted the Beeswax wraps to my mum for her birthday!
What a beautiful post with so much useful information. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Your welcome 🙂
Your article is full pack of knowledge. I will definitely try out some of the points. Plus some of the activities can be used as a summer projects for little students as well. Thanks alot.
Great!Hope you all have a lovely summer 🙂