In April, Earth Promise posted a blog on various Earth Day activities that some schools conducted. Del Prado Elementary in Boca Raton, Florida had a variety of effortless activities going on. One day was dedicated to making Earth Promises and posting them as they wish on their classrooms doors or bulletin boards. Below are some of the fabulous ideas. (To view individual pictures click on the specific photo. To zoom in click on the photo again or hit back to return to the Earth Promise blog page):
Posts Tagged ‘green practices’ |
Earth Day Activities – Teach Your Children WellWednesday, April 14th, 2010 There are many ways we can make changes, whether small or large, that can have a positive influence on the environment. From simply recycling to putting solar panels on the roof of your home….it all makes a difference. All steps you take help. Earth Promise was developed with the idea of tracking one’s changes but also as a tool to both learn from other members as well as teach others. As we make these changes individually, it is important to teach, inform and inspire others. What better way then in our schools. Whether a student is in kindergarten or in college, they can each learn about changes they can make for the environment and which have an impact on helping our earth. With the 40th anniversary of Earth Day coming up next week, we ask that parents, teachers and everyone involved with schools, help teach and promote the importance and awareness of Earth Day. Below are programs that two schools are doing over the next week which are inspiring examples of teaching students about the issues and helping the cause. Promote change among students. Come up with a plan to help the environment. Make Earth Day 2010 special for our students.
Del Prado Elementary School – Boca Raton, Florida
The celebration of Earth Dayis right around the corner. It is a time when people around the world hold events to honor our planet and to remind everyone to love and care for the Earth. At Del Prado Elementary, what better way to honor Mother Earth than to celebrate the days leading up to the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Starting Monday, April 19th through Thursday April 22nd, there will be activities that promote environmental awareness. These will provide the students with the idea that “Every day is Earth Day”. Monday, April 19th—Write the change you will make on the Earth Promise wall located on your classroom door. There are many little things we can do to make a big difference, so make sure your promise is something you haven’t done yet. Most of us recycle by now, so talk about some new ideas with your family and share them with us. Then the top 5 classes, based on content, visual and uniqueness will get posted on the Earth Promise website! (http://www.earthpromise.com) Tuesday, April 20th—If you bring your lunch, let’s make it a waste-free lunch day by using only reusable containers, thermoses, reusable water bottles and cloth napkins. Say NO to the single-serving packaged foods or juice boxes/pouches on Tuesday! (Check out www.kidskonserve.com) Wednesday, April 21st– Pick up at least one piece of trash from the school grounds and put it in the garbage or recycling bin. Thursday, April 22nd– Wear an Earth related t-shirt to school (i.e. a recycling logo/environmental slogan on it). Together, we will be a caring and positive voice for the environment.
Linden Avenue Elementary School – Glen Ridge, New Jersey CELEBRATE WATER DAY! The Community Service Committee is proud to announce Water Day on Earth Day, April 22nd and the Linden Avenue Dime Collection In honor of Earth Day we will be focusing on the importance of water, one of our most precious resources. We will be talking about ways in which we can help conserve and protect our sources of water and how we can help children around the world who do not have access to clean drinking water. This week, Linden Avenue children will be introduced to the Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program and the PUR Packet®. One packet can turn 10 liters (or approximately 2.5 gallons) of dirty water into safe, clean drinking water. And each packet is only 10¢. Go to www.csdw.org for details about the program and to see the demonstration your children will see at school. Help us provide children around the globe with clean, safe drinking water by donating to the LINDEN AVENUE DIME COLLECTION (yes, we only want dimes!) So, clean out those sofa cushions, check the car seats and shake down those piggy banks!
Dimes will be collected Thursday, April 22nd – Friday, April 30th.
Caring Together
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Challenge Idea: Find News Online Or Swap Paper EditorialsFriday, February 26th, 2010 It’s nice to be on the email lists of various bloggers. Reduce Footprints, which I have mentioned in previous posts, is one of my favorites. Many of the “green” sites today can have a pompous air, but Reduce Footprints is humbled in its approach. It provides its readers with a doable weekly challenge cleverly dubbed, Change The World Wednesdays.
This week’s challenge was suggested by our bloggy friend Heather, from Earth Promise, after reading Monday’s post on books. I think it’s a fantastic idea! Here’s her challenge: Think of all that we read on a daily basis, whether it be magazines, newspapers, books, etc. I propose that for one week we do not purchase a newspaper, magazine, book, but rather swap with someone or find your news online…… It’s a wonderful challenge! Thanks, Reduce Footprints! Here are just a smattering of the responses received: • Maurie Kirschner accepted the challenge but then, the current issue of Vegetarian Times came out … and well … she caved! However, she did a few other Eco-friendly activities that day which you can read about HERE. Maurie says she failed and succeeded, all in less than an hour. I think the successes won! • EcoGrrl joined us. Once she realized that it took her 10 minutes to get through a $5.00 magazine, she decided to stop buying them. She’s also tired of receiving those unwanted news supplements so she’s calling the Oregonian and asking them to stop delivering them. • Ange found a blog that swaps magazines. She received two vintage Martha Stewart’s in exchange for a couple of French magazines … and she is offering to swap French magazines with anyone who is interested. How cool is that! She also suggested putting up a sign in a local café to start a book swap club … members swap books and hold occasional meetings to discuss what is being read. Great idea … and sounds like fun! To read all of the fabulous comments and ideas received on Reduce Footprints, click here. Here is a peek at the next Challenge: Let’s jump right into this week’s challenge! We’re going to do one more paper-reducing challenge and then, we’ll move onto something else next week (I can hear you cheering … lol). Here you are: Receiving and paying paper bills is a lot of paper and a lot of waste … not to mention resources getting the bill to and from one’s home. So, this week sign up to receive at least one paperless bill and pay it online. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact the biller for instructions. Or … If this is something you already do, please write a post about all the benefits of paying bills online. Are you willing to give it a go? |
Last week, I came up with a Challenge idea based on one of Reduce Footprints’ interesting posts. They liked it so much, they took advantage of it:
Lights Out on March 27, 2010Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 Just imagine: everyone globally taking part in an effortless task that makes a noble statement. Simply turning out the lights for one hour. This bold gesture sheds light on the draconian effects of climate change: rising global temperatures, more frequent droughts and flooding, rising sea levels, glacier meltings, change of ecosystems, etc . Everywhere around our big blue marble on March 27th, from 8:30 to 9:30pm, make a stand and take part in Earth Hour and flip the switch. • Empire State Building So mark it on your calendar: March 27th, 8:30pm. Enjoy the darkness knowing you are part of the global effort to raise awareness about climate change. For more detailed information on how you can get your city involved in Earth Hour, visit, My Earth Hour. Also let your children in on the global action. Earth Hour Kids invites children and teens to participate in this climate changing event as well. |
Earth Hour began three years ago capturing the world’s attention
FLOW:For Love of WaterTuesday, February 2nd, 2010 “This notion that we will have water forever is wrong” “It’s not a democratic issue; it’s not a republican issue; it’s a people issue…” “CAN ANYONE REALLY OWN WATER?”
Irena Salina, a French native and documentary filmmaker, builds a case against the growing privatization of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.
To learn more about Salina’s inspired, yet unsettling documentary, visit http://www.flowthefilm.com/ To watch the tailer, click here |
World Water CrisisThursday, January 21st, 2010
Let’s take something as indispensable as water, whether it be for drinking or bathing. I was listening to NPR early this morning and one company, Shelterbox.org, sponsored by service clubs such as Rotary Clubs, has been sending large sealed boxes containing various contents (depending on the disaster ) to Haiti. The Shelterboxes are providing Haitians with such items such as tents, blankets, mats and water purifying tablets. Although each item included in the Shelterbox is greatly appreciated and used, the water tablets are invaluable. “water purification tablets or a water purification kit; and one 5 gallon flat-pack water container (Each tablet will purify a full container of water providing 1,800 gallons of clean drinking water which should be sufficient for a family of ten for up to three months).” It is difficult to fathom that a first world countries’ water supply is waning. It is easy to push these gloomy thoughts to lesser developed countries, like Haiti, Africa, or India. Although we constantly hear that three quarters of the earth’s surface is covered by water, you would think the process of the water cycle would allow the balance of water on the earth to remain constant. The big problem is that we are consuming and utilizing water faster than Mother Nature can replenish for us. Over the past years, the environmental movement has focused more on the emissions of greenhouse gasses, air pollution, pesticides in our food, and trying to eliminate plastics from our daily routine compared to our dwindling water supply. But if you do some research, water is inextricably linked to all of the above. We need to stop using more water and take the time to figure out how to use less. Here are some water crisis activists that we admire. Some have even been featured on our Earth Promise blogs and interviews: Christopher Swain, who is creating a healthy ocean planet through education. Alexandra Cousteau “a globally recognized advocate on water quality and policy, continues the work of her renowned grandfather Jacques Yves and father Philippe Cousteau. At 32, she has already mastered the remarkable storytelling tradition handed down to her through the generations, and has the unique ability to draw audiences into the weighty issues of policy, politics, and action. Alexandra is a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and a CNN International Principal Voice, a graduate of Georgetown University, and a lifelong explorer and activist. She established Blue Legacy in 2008, an organization dedicated to inspiring people around the world to take action on critical water issues.” A young student from Dubai International School travelled to the India-Bangladesh border to raise awareness about water conservation. He made a short video clip illustrating, via photos, the devastating effects of un-sanitized water. His goal is to make people empathize through his captivating photography. He states, “They bathe, they drink, they excrete and they urinate in the exact same pond or lake…” Unfortunately, the photos this young student took could have been in any one of the many poor countries in the world. It is time to truly look at how we use (or shall I say, waste?) water. How long are we in the shower? By now, it should be second nature to brush our teeth without the faucet running. What do we do with that half consumed water bottle? Are your sprinklers on a timer? Try to imagine your life without a clean water supply: how will you flush your toilets, bathe, wash dishes, water your plants? Earth Promise offers a plentitude of simple ideas on how you can reduce your water consumption. But more needs to be done. The disaster in Haiti has given a new focus to our water crisis. Time to do your research: not only make an effort to lessen your water consumption but see how you can participate in creating safe water supplies in developing countries. Below are some sites that offer such information: |
It is so easy to take everyday essentials for granted: I am fortunate to be able to wake up in my own bed, with a roof over my head; there is fresh food in my refrigerator and I have plenty of clean water to drink and bathe with. As of recently, we are reminded daily (hourly?!) of these necessities to live; especially following the shocking earthquake that has turned Haiti upside down. (The other day
Wrap-n-Mat Gets a Thumbs Up!Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 For as long as my girls have been in school, I (on occasion they, too) pack their lunches. Over the years, I have purchased diverse types of reusable containers and yes, I’ll admit, even used the Zip Lock baggies. The first of my reusable purchases was this fabulous cube-like contraption from the Container Store called the Klip Lunch cube . I bought mine over 4 years ago, which only came in a clear color. Now you can choose from a variety of colors and it touts that it is BPA free. It is a bit bulky, so finding the right lunch box can be a challenge. Also, with the worry regarding plastics, this may not be an option for you.
Clean up was easy! The few crumbs (and crust) left in the Wrap-n-Mat were tossed (into your compost if you have!) and then with a wet cloth wiped clean. Viola! My girls and I really love the Wrap-n-Mat. Not only is it perfect for school lunches, but also for the beach, picnics or wherever you bring your lunch or snacks. This dual purpose product (reusable food container–good for the earth and placemat—good to keep germ-free) is perfect. What a safe feeling knowing your child’s lunch is not sitting directly on his/her desk or lunch table! For more information, visit Wrap-n-Mat |
Waste-Free Lunch Gift Ideas With A 15% CouponMonday, December 7th, 2009 Kids and their parents are becoming more aware of the amount of waste produced via school lunches. My daughters’ school has set up recycling bins in the cafeteria for water bottles. There are even Terracycle bins accessible so the children can keep chip bags, cookie wrappers and juice pouches out of the landfills. A big challenge with many school’s are the polystyrene lunch trays. They are damaging to the Earth since they are made from oil, and when they are thrown away, they usually end up in landfills. Some schools may recycle these trays, but then they are made into other products that end up getting tossed into landfills anyway. Let’s think about the amount of school children who bring their lunches to school. The magnitude of waste can be staggering. According to Kids Konserve, an informational website dedicated to waste-free lunch kits and other reusable products: • Children’s lunches create 3.5 billion pounds of garbage each year Below is an impressive list from KidsKonserve containing useful and eco-friendly gifts for those lunch toting children (and adults, too!). Be sure to visit their site as it is filled with other reusable products to purchase, educational facts about plastics , and contests for kids. For our special Earth Promise readers, Kids Konserve has set up a 15% coupon code “promise” valid until 12/31/09.
Put meaning in the greening this holiday season. Want to make this a truly eco-friendly holiday for your family and friends? Our Kids Konserve’s gift guide features the season’s best non-toxic and sustainable gifts. Whether you are the green guru of the house, or you’re struggling to find a gift for one, you’ll find selections that you can be proud to give. Hostess & Teacher Gifts: Thinking about what to give to the hostess of the party, your child’s teacher, hairdresser, neighbor gift, what to bring to the cookie/gift exchange…. Tired of giving out candles? Here are some great ideas hanging from the tree (below) at great prices. As seen in Entrepreneur Magazine: The Greening of Lunch/Greening of Holidays
The Kids Konserve 2009 Gift Guide – 12 Earth Friendly Holiday Solutions 2. Reusable Party Pak for the Classroom. Take the trash out of the bash! 3. Nesting Trio Leak-Proof Stainless Steel Containers, all the right sizes 4. Cotton Napkins – Save a tree and use these at your family dinners. Pick
5. Food Kozies - The reusable wrap for homemade cookies, peanut brittle, 6. Waste-Free Lunch Kits – Give a Kid a Kit (choose your style, pattern, or 7. Bottles – No Liners! Non-Toxic Stainless Steel bottles. One for everyone in the 8. Minis – From nuts to jelly beans, you can always find something to put in these! 9. Drawstring bags – Great gift wrap, for a bottle of wine or on the go snacks, or
10. Snack Paks - Perfect for light lunches and on the go snacks. 11. Green Cleaning – Greenwood Naturals! Biodegradable and Non-Toxic! 12. 12 oz. Insulated Thermos - Going beyond the Sandwich! Endless options!
Kids Konserve wishes you a very Happy, Green, and Eco-Friendly Holiday! Don’t forget the generous 15% coupon! Be sure to type in “promise” when it asks for the coupon code. |
Water Saving TrendsTuesday, December 1st, 2009
Why does it take so long? The latest trend in household construction is to make larger pipes and to use lower flow rate faucets and showerheads. This combination delivers hot water the slowest. In some situations, it can take as long as a few minutes. To read the post in its entirety, click here. Here are some other quick water saving tips:
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How To Spend Your Green When You Travel GreenMonday, November 30th, 2009 This past Friday, a.k.a., Black Friday was the traditional start of in-store holiday shopping. If you were one who ventured out the day after Thanksgiving, you are one brave soul! For the mall-loathing, dedicated on-line shoppers, today is becoming yet another traditional shopping day—Cyber Monday. Whether you decided to stay home today and find the best on-line deals or take various breaks throughout your work day, Cyber Monday is no doubt more up my alley! Before you visit the shopping sites, though, it would be wise to be well-informed about the gifts you plan to purchase. Practical Travel Gear offers reviews of truly affordable, useful eco-products. One handy item, Light for Life, is a convenient little travel gadget that “takes a tiny amount of electricity and turns it into hours of light. What makes this 5.11 Tactical really special is that it charges up in just 90 seconds—in your car!” Although it has many uses, Light For Life is perfect for those considerate individuals who stay up a bit later in the hotel room reading. Practical Travel Gear also has a post reviewing the “5 Things I Always Pack” which reviews functional and affordable products. Do you pack an extra reusable tote for your vacation purchases? How about a lightweight towel?
“The tourist and the water bottle are now joined as one. So if you’re going to carry one of these around all day every day on your trip, why not make it work for you? That’s the idea behind the Cruising Caddy, a water bottle holder that goes beyond double-duty. It’s got an open pocket with elastic on one side to hold items that aren’t valuable, a Velcro closure one on the other side to hold things you can’t lose, a hidden smaller pocket inside that, and a metal carabiner clip on the side to hold your keys or to clip the whole thing to a belt loop. Oh, and it holds a water bottle—up to 1.5 liters. There’s even a water bottle cooler sleeve included that you can wrap around to keep the bottle cold longer or keep your hands dry.” Check out the other earth-friendly product reviews that are easy additions to your travels and help you leave a smaller footprint. Since many people are seriously prioritizing their gift funds, some may opt out of tangible gifts this year and spend their money of some great green vacations. I highly reccommend visiting Perceptive Travel when deciding on your destination. Perceptive Travel “is an online travel magazine that is home to interesting and award-winning stories from some of the best travel writers on the planet. It wins top awards on a regular basis and is a staple of “best travel writing” anthologies.” If you covet authentic travel tales and unique destination ideas without the commercialism, Perceptive Travel is for you. Be sure to also visit the Earth Promise store for other great gift ideas!! |
The Cruising Caddy Water Bottle Carrier
