KCKidsFun

It’s hard to believe that the annual observance that is Earth Day is now in its 40th year!  Earth Day (April 22 of each year) aims to increase public awareness of the environment.  Millions of people throughout the world gather each year to mark the event by learning about pollution and global warming, cleaning up parks and streams, and teaching others about how to protect our greatest gift–the Earth.

You can use Earth Day as a great “teaching moment” for your child(ren)…and there are lots of local activities planned to help you do just that!  Here are a few that I came up with; feel free to email me with any others you may know about.  HAPPY EARTH DAY 2010!

• The Power & Light District will hold the second “Green the Core–Earth Day Fest” downtown on Friday, April 24, 2010. From 11am until 2pm, local businesses and nonprofits will host programs and presentations. First 500 guests receive a free insulated water bottle, courtesy of KCPL!

• Johnson County Community College’s Student Environmental Alliance will celebrate Earth Day with Going Green 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, 2010, in the Commons Building Corner Lounge and Courtyard. The event is free and open to the public. Students will be promoting awareness of environmental issues, ideas and actions. Located at College Blvd at Quivira, Overland Park, KS.

• The Olathe Chamber of Commerce hosts an Earth Day celebration at Olathe Public Library.  630pm on April 22, 2010.  A panel of experts will discuss local efforts to make our region more sustainable and how everyone can make our city more energy efficient. No pre-registration needed.

• Recycle while you shop!  Target recently installed community recycling stations inside each of its 1740 stores.  Stations have deposits for items such as plastic, glass, aluminum cans, small electronics like MP3 players and cell phones and ink cartridges.

• Bridging the Gap is a local action and education non-profit focused on connecting the environment, economy and community.  Check out Bridging the Gap to help keep KC beautiful!

• Whole Foods Market/ 119th and Metcalf and 91st and Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. Saturday, April 24, 2010.  12-4PM.  Free compost pick-up beginning at 9am until it’s gone!  4pm bike raffle, bike donated by Leawood Bike Shop and Trek! Raffle tickets will be sold all month at the registers benefiting Friends of the Arboretum.  2-4pm Kids Club! Kids come decorate a flower pot, plant a seed to take home and watch it grow. Come meet other local companies that are green too!

• click here for some great Earth Day ideas, courtesy of kaboose.com!

• You might want to consider incorporating the following into your family’s week or month:  plant a tree, create a garden, step up your recycling efforts, involve your neighborhood in cleaning up a nearby pond, river or stream…or simply keep the car at home and try walking everywhere for a day!

*images courtesy of kaboose.com