Growing Food and Kids

If you’re a gardener who spends a lot of time with your toes in the dirt, every day is “earth day.” But today, as more than 1 billion people in 190 countries participate in ecological celebrations, it’s Earth Day with a capital “E” and “D.” It’s a great day to remind your kids (and yourself) that soil, water, and air — blessings we often take for granted — are all finite resources and it’s our job to take good care of them.

But don’t just talk about it on Earth Day. Make it a habit to talk to your kids about taking care of natural resources, and let them see your example. Some easy, practical ways to do this:

• Don’t litter. A few years ago I gave a ride home to the teenage daughter of a friend and was shocked when she rolled down the window and threw out her snack wrapper on the side of the road. (Seriously? People still do this?) When I said something about it, she seemed surprised. Apparently it was normal behavior at their house. If you have bad habits, your kids will pick them up. 
• Reduce, reuse, recycle. The big three are givens, but we all need reminders. Before you buy, think about whether you really need it. (I’m still working on this one!) Choose reusable tableware rather than disposable. Take your paper, plastic and glass to be recycled — and take your kids on a tour of the recycling facility, so they can learn how important it is to keep recycling. 
• Pick up trash when you see it. If more of us took the initiative to be good Samaritans and dispose of trash we see in the parking lot, in the bleachers at the ballpark, and outside the school, we’d have a healthier planet. According to Keep America Beautiful, litter cleanup costs the United States almost $11.5 billion each year. And certain types of litter contaminate waterways and keep us from breathing clean air.
• Grow a garden — or at least a tree. Of course I couldn’t resist this one. But it’s true; growing some of your own food reduces the packaging and energy consumption that would be used by purchasing store-bought food. It also gives you and your kids a greater connection to and appreciation for the earth and its gifts. I have to believe that kids who garden will become adults who are more concerned about taking care of their natural resources. And that’s absolutely essential.

What are you reminding your kids this Earth Day?