Celebrate the 50th year of Earth Day
The international celebration of Earth Day is on Wednesday, April 22nd, and this year marks the 50th anniversary! This is a day for us to recognize the importance of environmental protection and appreciate all of the wonderful experiences and resources provided by nature. Arbor Day is the very same week on Friday, April 24th. This is a holiday all about planting trees and supporting the many benefits that they provide. With so much to celebrate, why not keep it going all week long!
We have organized a list of activities and resources into an LPS Earth Day Bingo card for our students and families to celebrate safely at home. Activities are organized into themed days, so you can choose one activity (or more) each day to dive into energy, consumption and waste, climate action, water, and enjoying nature.
We may not be able to do our activities at school this year, but we look forward to celebrating from our homes all across the community. Please share your photos and celebrations with us using #LPSEarthDay
Monday, April 20th: Energy Day
- Calculate your carbon footprint and brainstorm ways to reduce it
- Check out this LES page to learn more about where our local energy comes from
- Create energy saving reminders (unplug, turn off lights, etc.) to post around your house
- Watch this video and learn more about how to save energy
- Open the shades to let in natural light instead of using electricity
Tuesday, April 21st: Consumption and Waste Day
- Collect clothing and other materials that can be donated for reuse
- Conduct a personal waste audit and brainstorm ways to reduce your everyday waste
- Start composting at home with your own backyard compost setup
- While shopping, online or in person, choose items made from recycled content
- Check with your hauler or city collection to see what can and cannot be recycled in Lincoln
Wednesday, April 22nd: Climate Action Day
- Learn more about the history of Earth Day and why we celebrate
- Find a book about nature, habitat, or animals and read it outside (Earth Day book recommendations)
- Learn more about climate change causes and individual solutions in this National Geographic video
- Discover how your diet contributes to climate change by taking this short quiz
- Use sidewalk chalk to share Earth Day art or inspirational words
Thursday, April 23rd: Water Day
- Calculate your water footprint and brainstorm ways to reduce it
- Learn about Nebraska waters and wetlands from NE Game & Parks
- Explore how much water it takes to make different items
- Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth
- Take the Kids vs. Plastic Pledge to help protect our oceans from plastic pollution
Friday, April 24th: Arbor Day/Great Outdoors Day
- Do an outdoor scavenger hunt
- Find Your “Virtual” Park on the National Park Service website
- Watch this History of Arbor Day video discuss what you appreciate most about trees
- Identify trees in your neighborhood and calculate their ecological benefits
- Learn about trees all over the world and become a junior arborist
Updated March 14, 2024
