Have you noticed that the weather was a bit different this “winter”? From Spring-like days in the middle of February to hailstorms and more, it is evident that climate change is here and it is real. Instead of feeling discouraged by the changes in environmental policy, take action by educating and empowering your kids on climate change today.

Climate change both depletes the rainforest as well as the homes and lives of people around the world. When we do not honor the earth in the US, we are not only putting ourselves in danger, but we are putting millions of lives around the world in danger as well.

Facts on climate change to share with your kids!

Climate change is any change in the climate, the Greenhouse effect is a type of climate change that demonstrates the increase of the average temperature of Earth.
Greenhouse gasses trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and warm the planet. Without any greenhouse gasses the Earth would be too cold for life, and with too many, it would be too hot to sustain life.
The burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, natural gas, and oil) increase the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Plants help absorb the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
The sea level rises due to climate change.
The US is the second largest contributor of CO2, though it only holds about 4.4% of the world’s population! People all around the globe experience the effects of climate change, even though they may be living in more sustainable ways.

Did you know that forests are the best natural defense for climate change? We need to take care of the earth so that the earth can take care of us. Help to demonstrate the connection between human lives and taking care of the natural environment with your kids today. By demonstrating this connection, you provide a more meaningful way for kids to understand the importance of practicing conservation practices in their daily lives.

Here are a few simple things you can do to reduce the use of greenhouse gasses in your household today!

Reduce, recycle, reuse
- Use reusable containers for lunches and leftovers instead of plastic bags!
Turn the lights off
- Open the blinds and when the sun is out to save electricity and try lighting candles instead of turning on your lamp in the evening.
Use less heat and air conditioning
- Put your winter coats to use! The inside will feel a bit more like outside, helping you to feel more connected to the earth too!
Walk or ride your bike instead of driving when you can.
- If you notice trash along the way, be sure to pick it up and recycle!
Plant a tree and start a garden to help take care of the earth!

Make a person out of leaves to show the connection between humans and nature! Reflect and commit to ways to work support the earth each day!

Materials:

Sticks
Leaves
Flowers
Glue
Old grocery bags
Writing tools
Any other decorative material you might want

1. Educate

Have a conversation with your kids about climate change. Talk about it and reflect how these things impact lives around the world. Share the facts and the ways they can live more sustainably and what your family can do to protect the earth each and every day.