This Wednesday, April 22, is Earth Day, so why not spend the whole week celebrating Mother Earth? It's a great time to reflect on our planet, our environment and what we can do to help keep them healthy. This week is supposed to be beautiful, so get out and enjoy it! Here are some ideas on how to spend your week becoming one with our Earth.
*St. Louis has so many great parks - we all have our favorites, but why not try a new one? Below is a list of our park district's web sites, check them out and try out a new park this week.
- City of St. Charles Parks
- St. Charles County Parks
- St. Louis County Parks
- St. Louis City Parks
- O'Fallon Parks
- Wentzville Parks
*Ditch the water bottles and purchase one of the new eco-friendly reusable water bottles. They keep your water colder for longer, are better for you (no plastic contamination) and better for our environment.
*Plan an "Earth Friendly" picnic - use reusable napkins and utensils. Juice boxes are convenient, but create waste, so use one of the new BPA-free sippy or drinking cups
*Plant some vegetables - even better, plant organic vegetables. You don't need a huge garden to do this, just grab a pot, some potting mix and a plant from a local store. Your kids will love getting their hands dirty and in just a few weeks will have some vegetables they grew themselves!
*Visit one of our local produce stands or farmer's markets - have your kids pick out a new fruit and vegetable to try - you never know, they just might like it and you'll be doing your part by supporting local agriculture.
*Walk or Bike- it's so easy to jump into our car to get somewhere, but why not try walking your kids to school this week, walk to a local restaurant or to the store. You'll save gas plus burn some extra calories!
*Make a game out of who can conserve the most energy - give your kids points for turning their lights off, unplugging and turning off electronic devices and turning off the water when they brush their teeth. The person with the most points at the end of the week gets to choose a weekend activity.
*Learn a little about the animals we share the Earth with at the Fantastic Friday Nature Shows at the Carousel at Faust Park. This Friday, April 24, the show is called “Fur, Feathers & Scales.” This exciting environmental program featuring the feathered, wiggly friends of the World Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy a free carousel ride after each performance. Call 636-537-0222 or stop by the Carousel Gift Shop to purchase tickets. Doors open for floor seating at 9:30 a.m.; shows begin at 10 a.m. $5 per person in advance; $6 per person at the door; children under 1 year old are free with one paid adult.
*This Sunday, April 26, attend the Earth Day Festival in the upper parking lot of the Muny at Forest Park. I have not been to this event yet, but it looks like there are many events planned for the whole family.
Please share with us some of the ways you'll be spending Earth Day by leaving a comment.
Have a Happy Earth Week!
-Jennifer
