Today is International Mother Earth Day! Events will be taking place all around the globe to raise awareness of the need to protect the environment and educate people to preserve our natural resources and help children learn to be good stewards of this planet.  I agree with Roni Baras, author of 55 Ways to Save the Environment and Make a Difference, when she says: “As parents, we have a responsibility to teach our kids to care for the world.”

Here are a few ways that parents, children, and all of us can participate, not only on Earth Day, but all year long:

• Don’t Litter: Walk to a local park and talk about how it looks better when people don’t leave trash – bring a bag and pick up garbage
• Grow Stuff: Plant herbs, flowers and vegetables outside or in pots – teach kids how to care for them
• Save Energy: Turn off lights when they are not needed
• Conserve Water: Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth – install water-saving shower heads and faucets
• Reduce Pollution: Walk or bike if possible instead of driving short distances

And here’s a really fun idea! How about washing your hair in the rain? I spoke with my sister the other day and she reminded me of the times when we were kids and we would go outside with a bottle of shampoo when it was raining and giggle and laugh as we played with heads full of suds.

For Earth Day, I’m sharing two very special books that celebrate life, love, and the creatures that inhabit our precious planet.