Earth Day
PLANET vs. PLASTICS
Get Inspired. Take Action. Be a part of the green revolution.
22 April is Earth Day
A day that celebrates the environmental movement and highlights some of the issues facing our precious planet.
The theme for Earth Day this year is PLANET vs PLASTICS
Plastic is everywhere and helps to make our lives incredibly convenient. But every plastic item you've used still exists on Earth! Half of them are used just once and then thrown away, creating tons of waste and having a hug impact on our environment. We must find ways to reduce plastic use to protect our planet.
More than 1 billion people across 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, so what will you do to make a difference?
#PlasticvsPlastics
Beautiful illustration for It’s Our Planet Too for Earth Day 2021 by @SketchyMuma
What is plastic pollution?
Plastic pollution is the build up of plastic waste in the environment, particularly in oceans, rivers, and landfills. Plastic does not break down naturally and can stay in the environment for hundreds of years. Plastic pollution harms wildlife, marine ecosystems, and human health.
Find out more about the problem with plastic here, or take a look at our Plastic isn’t fantastic themed Tool Kit For Eco Heroes.
Easy ways to cut down on plastic
Every day we take resources from our beautiful planet and we create a lot of waste too, including an awful lot of plastic. But we can all make a difference to the future of our precious planet by making small changes to the way that we live.
Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
Consider choosing wooden or metal toys instead of plastic ones.
Can you use cloth nappies and reusable wipes instead of disposable ones.
Avoid plastic straws and use alternatives like metal or bamboo
Support local markets and shops that offer plastic-free options.
As parents, taking care of the planet and teaching our children to do the same is one of our responsibilities, but it can be tricky with a busy lifestyle. Here are some simple tips and ideas for families who want to include their children on the path to greener living (and cut down the amount of plastic we use too).
Remember to use reusable water bottles and containers instead of single-use plastic ones.
Bringing reusable bags when grocery shopping.
Choosing loose products with minimal or no plastic packaging.
Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
Opt for glass or metal containers for storing food instead of plastic.
Try making homemade snacks together instead of buying pre-packaged ones.
8 unbelievable plastic facts!
Around the world, nearly a million plastic beverage bottles are sold every minute.
More than 5 trillion pieces of plastic are already floating in our oceans.
Less than half of plastic in the UK is recycled.
There is a plastic island in the Pacific ocean 3 times bigger than France.
By 2050, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish.
Worldwide, nearly three quarters of beach litter is plastic.
By 2050, virtually every seabird species on the planet will be eating plastic.
Estimates for how long plastic endures range from 450 years to forever.
Earth Day activities for little eco heroes
There are several ways that children can take part in Earth Day and make a positive impact on the environment. Here are a few ideas:
Plant a tree: Encourage children to plant a tree in you garden, school or a local park - it doesn’t have to be huge. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen, making them an essential part of the ecosystem.
Participate in a litter cleanup: Organise a litter cleanup in your local area or a nearby park. Provide gloves, bin bags, and a safe location to dispose of the collected rubbish.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Teach children about the importance of reducing waste, reusing items when possible, and recycling materials that can be reused.
Start a garden: Plant a vegetable garden in your own garden, in a tub or community garden. Children can learn about sustainable food practices, composting, and the benefits of growing their own food.
Turn off lights and appliances: Encourage children to turn off lights and appliances when they're not in use to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint.
Create art from recycled materials: Encourage children to create art from recycled materials such as paper, plastic, and cardboard. This helps to reduce waste and encourages creativity. Need some inspiration, take a look at our Tool Kits.
Learn about the environment: Read books and watch documentaries with children to teach them about the environment, climate change, and how they can make a difference.
“The Earth is what we all have in common.”
A brief history of Earth Day
Background
The release of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring in 1962 and her revelations about the dangers of pesticides raised awareness and concern for the planet and sparked an environmental movement.
The first Earth Day
Denis Hayes, an American environmental activist helped to organise the first Earth Day, which took place on 22 April 1970. Around 20 million people took part in protests and rallies around the US.
Where did it lead?
Earth Day caught the public’s attention and helped put pressure on governments to take environmental issues seriously. It is now one of the largest worldwide events with over a billion people taking part.
Let Sam and Lou help you learn more about the problems facing our planet…
My name is Sam and my name is Lou and guess what, it’s our planet too…
The world where we live is a special place, it can be seen for miles, from outer space;
As the number of people has grown and grown, our impact on earth, is beginning to be known.
The earth’s not been cared for as it should, pollution and destruction have brought no good;
Our resourceful planet, once brimming with wealth, is no longer such a picture of health.
Oil, gas, coal; once there was plenty, these precious deposits are running on empty.
Rainforests and oceans we need to protect, these amazing wonders deserve our respect.
But it’s not just humans we need to keep happy, to save the animals, we need to act snappy
As the world changes, their homes disappear, for so many creatures, it’s their biggest fear.
Our modern ways have changed our land, to secure a future we must take a stand;
You don’t need to turn your whole life greenust make a change, to your normal routine.
gEven the small things like recycling our waste, can make a difference to the problems we face;
Don’t put your rubbish straight in the bin, save your paper, glass, aluminium and tin.When you go on a trip and it’s not very far, try using your bike, instead of the car.
When the chilly weather starts to take hold, just put on a jumper, if you’re a bit cold!
And if you’re at home and fancy a bath, a shower uses, less water by half.
And then there’s the problem of too much plastic, we must make a change, and it needs to be drastic!
If everyone did just a little to help, we can change the hand, that we’ve been dealt.
Just try your best, please do? After all, it’s our planet too!
Blog Post: 10 Earth Day inspired activities
Earth Day is a day to remind us of the impact that humans are having on planet Earth.
This is a fantastic opportunity to try some Earth day inspired, eco-related activities with your kiddies. Check out the blog for some fabulous suggestions for getting your littles ones out and about in nature.
Why not get your little ones involved in EARTH DAY this year?
Click on the images below to download a FREE colouring sheet.
Will you take an Earth Day pledge or maybe you like our eco rhyme?
Take a look at our other EARTH DAY printables, just click on any of the images to download your FREE file.
If you’ve enjoyed our website or downloaded some of our free printables for your little eco hero, please consider leaving us a small donation to say thank you.
It feels good to do good…
Plastic isn’t fantastic
Want to learn more about the problem with plastics?
Our plastic isn’t fantastic Tool Kit is packed with hours of fun activities to help you take action and save our environment. We’ll help you learn about the problem with plastic and how you can make a difference. Before long you’ll be a plastic expert…
