EARTH DAY REFLECTIONS

5 ways to help kids connect with nature

Nature offers families a muchneeded respite and retreat. On good days, we sprawl out picnic blankets and bask in sunshine under a stunning sky. On hard days, we recognize the urgency of getting off screens and into green spaces so kids can run free and nervous systems can settle. The Earth gives us so much. And yet, it’s easy in the hustle of daily life to forget to be responsible residents and caretakers of this most precious place we call home. Here are five ways to strengthen your family’s bond with the Earth and create a lasting culture of environmental stewardship.

Consider the Earth’s Provisions

Have a family discussion about how the Earth supports daily routine. For example:

• Earth provides stable ground to stand and drive on.

• Trees offer a cool place to play when the sun is too hot.

• Food is grown in soil.

• Water comes from rain and springs in the ground.

• Earth provides metals and rare earth elements mined for smartphones and other technology.

Creating a list and discussing these topics with kids helps them understand that none of this would be possible without Mother Earth.

Play “How is it Made?”

Choose any item and map the journey of how it was made, starting from its earliest stages. Children quickly learn from this exercise how nature is needed for every luxury and necessity we own. This activity can be simple for young

kids or require more detailed research for older kids.

Bonus: Play “How Long Does it Take to Decompose?” with the same item for an eye-opening discovery on the importance of recycling.

Create a Sustainability Cheat Sheet

Make a “cheat sheet” for your refrigerator around the mantra “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” that highlights ways your family can make sustainable choices. Examples of what to include:

• Stop before you buy: Can I live without this item for 30 more days? If I still need it after that, can I find it used?

Mom tip: When my daughter was a toddler, we established our family rule of not buying something the same moment we want it. This often led to my daughter giving stuffed animals at the grocery store a quick hug and replacing them on the shelf.

• How can I reduce my single use plastic consumption today? Pack reusable utensils, cups and to-go containers in case they are needed when out and opt for reusable bags to pack food in.

• Put food scraps (including bread, meat and cheese) in the curbside green bin so it can be turned into compost and mulch.

• Dispose of unwanted items responsibly (ripped clothes, batteries, paint, light bulbs, etc.) to divert them from the landfill. Find locations to dispose of these items in San Diego at www.WasteFreeSD.org.

Start Earth-Honoring Traditions

Sustainability removes unnecessary excess and leaves what’s most important: experience and connection. Sustainability treats the Earth with the respect it deserves. Start by looking at current family traditions and consider how to make them more sustainable. For example, opting out of material party favors at birthday parties, creating dried orange garlands in place of plastic decorations for holidays and wrapping gifts in thrifted scarves. Additional ideas for Earth-honoring traditions include:

• Gifting experiences instead of material items

• Family hikes

• Litter clean-up walks

• DIY decorations using natural, compostable materials

• Create art with reusable items. Get project ideas at www.sandiegofamily. com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids.

Volunteer Together

Not only are volunteers essential to nonprofits working to improve the health of people and our planet, but research shows immense mental and physical health benefits of volunteering. Search San Diego environmental nonprofits for their volunteer calendars. I Love A Clean San Diego has many child-friendly monthly volunteer opportunities. Produce Good, a local nonprofit that does impactful food rescue work, also has family-friendly volunteer opportunities.

A great all ages opportunity (and excellent way to honor Earth Day) is Creek to Bay Cleanup, San Diego’s largest countywide effort, on April 26. There are about 100 cleanup sites to choose from. In a few short hours 5,000 volunteers from the mountains to the ocean remove close to 100,000 pounds of litter from our natural environments. Register to volunteer at www.creektobay.org.

Mom tip: When doing clean-up events with kids, have them use kitchen tongs for picking up trash and toy sand buckets for collecting trash in. Help children develop a meaningful connection with the Earth by spending time outdoors together, exploring nature, teaching respect for wildlife and modeling sustainable practices. As they grow, their love for nature will lead them to become compassionate, conscientious stewards of the planet. In doing so, you’ll be nurturing your family’s mental, emotional and physical well-being, helping them become more grounded, empathetic and aware of the interconnectedness of life. v

Jenny Barros is a mother, Earth lover, writer and the director of marketing and development at I Love A Clean San Diego.

Get more ideas in our article

“20 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day” at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ seasonal-happenings/ideas-to-celebrateearth-day.