Protecting the Planet

As Earth Day approaches on April 22, we become more aware of how critical reducing, reusing, and recycling are to the planet. But protecting the environment can easily become a money-saving and family-bonding effort every day of the year. Here are some simple ways to help your family become more earth friendly.

Reduce your family’s consumption, garbage, and budget.
• Buy items in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Skip paper and plastic bags by bringing your own cloth shopping bag to the store.
• Trade bottled water for filtered water in a reusable water bottle and use washable rags instead of paper towels when cleaning your home.
• Decrease energy usage by turning off lights when you leave the room and unplugging noncritical electronics.

Reuse items in fun ways.
• A swap party is a fun way to share gently used goodies, such as books and clothing, while spending time with family and friends.
• Create new meals using leftovers. Last night’s chicken breast can become tonight’s chicken noodle soup.
• Find new uses for items instead of throwing them out, such as cutting old T-shirts into rags.

Recycle plastic, paper, aluminum and glass.
• Set up color-coded bins for recyclables and use a chart to track your family’s recycling.
• Teach your children to look for items with the recycling symbol. Practice recycling scrap paper and empty plastic bottles in your homeschool.
• Start a recycling program at your local homeschool co-op, or offer to teach a class. If available, be sure to take advantage of your city’s curbside pickup.

How does your homeschool family observe Earth Day?