1. Visit your local library. That’s right, books are always our top priority and re-using is as important as recycling.
2. Make recycling fun. Raid the recycling bin for materials for junk modelling and get making spaceships, vehicles, penholders or whatever you like. Find some inspiration here.
3. Make a bug hotel. Insects are a vital part of the natural world. Here is a simple example.
4. Save water - turn the tap off when brushing your teeth.
5. Challenge yourselves not to drive to school or work – walk, cycle or scoot instead.
6. Buy recycled paper, whether it’s for drawing or writing, loo paper or kitchen roll. You’ll save money too!
7. Try meat-free Mondays or limit meat to certain days.
8. Repair old clothes rather than throwing them away. Find some cool ideas for kids here.
9. Save energy at home – unplug all electrical devices before bed.
10. Reduce your plastic use - switch to bars of soap, they last longer and are more eco-friendly too.
11. Use rechargeable batteries in your toys and appliances.
12. Pledge to only use reusable bottles for water and hot drinks.
13. Donate old toys, books and clothes and have a car boot sale. You could even donate the proceeds to an eco-friendly cause.
14. Save the spiders! Don’t kill creepy crawlies you find in the house – put them outside, our plants need them.
15. Instead of buying new toys or books organise a toy swap with a friend. You can do the same with clothes!
16. Join a local clean up at a beach or park. Or simply pick up rubbish whenever you see it.
17. Do the litter free lunch challenge. Can you make a packed lunch or picnic without any single-use plastic or non-biodegradable waste?
18. Use energy efficient lightbulbs.
19. Try cleaning with eco-friendly products in the home such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
20. If you have a garden, plant some bee-friendly plants. Or persuade your local school to do the same.
21. And finally, make your own Earth Day pledge. These small changes are much more powerful when we do them every day and not just once a year. So get everyone in the family to choose one and make a promise to stick with it for the whole year. Take inspiration from our list above or come up with your own great ideas, but make sure you hold each other accountable.
And finally, check out these fantastic books for Earth Day 2019:
