Earth Day Strategies to Tackle Climate Anxiety

Engaging Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids

Earth Day takes place each year on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental concerns and motivate people to take action to protect the environment. It is estimated that more than a billion people around the world participate in Earth Day events and activities designed to promote a more sustainable future. 

As encouraging as this may be, the challenges facing our planet remain daunting, and this can create anxiety for some children. In fact, eco-anxiety, a condition characterized by persistent fear and hopelessness about climate change, is affecting more and more kids each year. It’s important to remind children that there are things we can all do to make a difference. Accordingly, this Earth Day, we've rounded up resources, tips, and ideas to help kids channel their climate concerns into positive action.

Environmental Education Resources for Kids

There are many books, videos, and websites that are designed specifically to educate children about environmental issues in an age-appropriate way. It can be comforting to kids to know that other people and organizations share their worry and are working to address the problems. Some of our favorites:

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a light, fun read and a great way to introduce young children to the concept of environmental stewardship.
• National Geographic Kids website is a solid resource for free articles, videos, and interactive activities related to the environment and conservation. The content is presented in a fun and engaging way to help kids learn without overwhelming them. Alternatively, you could get a subscription to one of their popular magazines Kids (ages 7-12) or for Little Kids (ages 3-6).
• The Nature Conservancy’s Nature Lab provides educational resources for teaching how nature works and what we can do to support it.
• Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that aims to transform children’s concerns about the environment into positive action. Earth Rangers educates kids about environmental issues and inspires them to take action. Their website has loads of resources for parents and kids including videos, podcasts, games, and activities.

6 Practical Tips and Ideas to Reduce Household Waste and Conserve Resources

Transforming kids’ worry into practical action they can take to combat climate change can help kids feel a sense of agency and empowerment. Here are some suggestions to get you started:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Reduce household waste. Consider packing a waste-free lunch with reusable containers, napkins, and utensils.
• Repair or repurpose items instead of throwing them away. Maybe you’ll teach your child to repair the hole in their favorite t-shirt or turn an old jar into a pencil holder.
• Refill containers instead of using single-use ones. This could mean refilling your own water bottles or bringing your own bags and containers to grocery, retail, and zero-waste stores.
• Walk, bike, or use public transportation instead of a car when possible. It’s good for the planet and good for our bodies, too!
• Participate in local initiatives like neighborhood cleanups or community gardening. Activities like these not only promote environmental stewardship, but also provide valuable opportunities for community connection. 
• Brainstorm ways to conserve water and energy. Start by turning off unused lights and electronics, taking shorter showers, and fixing leaky faucets. What else will you come up with?

Earth Day Activity: Herby Seed Bombs

And if you just want something FUN to do to celebrate Earth Day? Try Herby Seed Bombs!

Seed bombs are truffle-sized wads of clay, compost, and seeds. Seed bombs are a fun way to plant herbs in your garden! The process takes about 30 minutes and is a lot like making chocolate truffles! 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A bowl
• A baking sheet
• Potter’s clay powder, (sold in craft shops)
• Compost
• Herb seeds (we recommend thyme, dill, basil, cilantro, and/or parsley seeds)
• Water​​​​​​​

Instructions

In a bowl, combine: 3 handfuls of clay, 5 handfuls of compost, and 1 handful of seed. Next, gradually add water, and stir to combine until the mixture becomes pliable enough to shape without crumbling. Form the mixture into truffle-sized balls, lay them out on a baking sheet, and set them in a sunny spot to dry. (This will take a while, so go do something fun and check their dryness after 3 hours.)

That’s it! Just bury the seed bombs in a pot with soil (at least ½ inch under the soil) or throw them directly into your garden. Then, water it and wait for your seed bombs to explode into an array of delicious herbs! 

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