As a precautionary measure around the spread of the Corona Virus (COVID-19), most schools have shut down, leaving millions of students at home for the foreseeable future. Although social isolation is in the best interest of public health, many parents may find themselves scrambling for ways to keep their kids happy, entertained, and of course, intellectually stimulated.
Even though the whole family will be stuck at home, it doesn’t mean you need to give up your eco-friendly habits to find fun things to do. There are plenty of eco-friendly crafts and activites for kids and preschoolers that will keep you safe and sound. That’s why we’re sharing some of our favorite eco-friendly activity ideas for you to do with the kids during the quarantine that will not only keep the kids happy, but will also protect the planet.
1. Read Books Together
Reading books is a great way to teach your kids about eco-friendly living! Read books about sustainability and have a family discussion based on what was learned. Some of the best sustainability books for kids include:
- The EARTH Book – Todd Parr
- One Plastic Bag – Miranda Paul
- The Lorax – Dr. Seuss
- 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World – Melanie Walsh
- Just a Dream – Chris Van Allsburg
- The Pout Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean – Deborah Diese
2. Upcycle Arts and Crafts
The best eco-friendly crafts for children include finding ways to repurpose what you already have. Search through your home to find items in the recycling bin or household items that no longer serve a purpose. Some creative upcycling ideas are:
- Tin can wind chimes
- Homemade suncatchers
- Windsock
- Rock necklace
- Painted rocks
3. Start Composting
If you have room in your yard and the temperature where you live is even somewhat moderate, you can start a compost pile and talk to your kids about the importance of composting. Just fence off a small area and start your scrap pile directly on the ground. You can also make bins to contain your organic waste.
Encourage your kids to look for opportunities to throw their leftovers in the compost bin instead of the garbage, and help them recognize what materials they can compost and which ones they can’t.
4. Play Games
You really can’t go wrong with a good board game. This eco-friendly activity for kids is sure to help the time fly by—without using any electricity. Some of our top classics are:
- Scrabble
- Monopoly
- Checkers
- Card Games (Go Fish, Solitaire, Rummy, Uno, Old Maid)
With all the time you have you might actually finish your Monopoly game.
5. Build a Blanket Fort
While your stuck inside is the perfect time to get creative and step up your blanket fort game. Drag out the blankets and chairs and get to work. Once you’ve made the ultimate blanket fort, have a family movie night or picnic in your fort. It’s a team effort—and a really fun way to spend time together.
Make Eco-Friendly Crafts and Activities a Regular Habit
Doing eco-friendly crafts and activities with children is something you can do regularly, even when you’re not stuck inside because of the corona virus. Take the time you have now to get some great ideas under your belt and try them out to find your favorites. Having some great eco-friendly activities ready for a rainy day is a great idea so you can spend time with your children while teaching them the importance of protecting the environment.
If you’re looking for more ways to go green in your everyday life contact Spring Power and Gas to learn more about our renewable energy credits and how you can contribute to a cleaner world.
