10. Read through an electric bill with a child. Imagine the possibilities! From “What?! We pay for that?” to “What do they mean our neighbors got a better score than we did?” or “What can we do to conserve energy?”.
9. Lay down and watch the clouds. We breathe the air every minute but forget to appreciate it. Earth’s atmosphere is mostly nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%) with just 1% other gases like neon, argon, as well as the heat-trapping gases that pack a big punch! The small but powerful heat-trappers include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapor. Breathe.
8. Grow plants. When we plant a tree or a garden we are growing air recyclers. Plants and trees “inhale” carbon dioxide and “exhale” oxygen. The carbon is applied to growth. Carbon stored in the form of leaves, stem, and wood is also known as a “carbon sink”.
7. Buy Bulk. Try to buy the least amount of packaging while grocery shopping- skip the juice boxes, try the large container of apple sauce, bring a jar to refill, and bring your own cloth bags. Earth is great-why trash the place?
6. Hit the Library. It’s free and oh… so… green at your local library.
5. Trip Planning. Break out the state map and learn something new about your home state. Plan a trip for next summer. On the topic of planning…why not combine your errands today to save money on gasoline and reduce air pollution?
4. Bike to ___________. (Insert work, school, store) Did you know that Google Maps works for bike routes too?! You can find the fastest and safest way to bike to your destination while cutting done on air pollution and getting some exercise.
3. Play Outside. Here are a few tried and true ways to p-l-a-y: skip rope, swing, sleep in the hammock, run, paddle-board, shoot hoops, hike, kayak, sit in a lawn chair, visit with a neighbor, climb a tree, rake the yard, do a cartwheel, walk along the curb, soak up sunshine.
2. Learn. Take ten minutes to learn more about where you live. What is your watershed district? What is the nearest power plant to your home? What bus line could you ride? What are the endangered species in Minnesota? What are some local environmental initiatives or projects?
1. Love the planet that we’ve got- Earth! What an amazing place filled with numerous wonders. Let’s be thankful for what we have and thoughtful in our choices.
Play. Learn. Love.
April 2014
