CELEBRATE MOTHER EARTH

Earth Day is April 22 - and it will be celebrated by more than 500 million people worldwide this year! What will YOU do to celebrate Mother Earth? Get inspired to do something nice for the planet that we call home, with these helpful suggestions from Myjellybean.com.

Start At Home

Did you know that the average American throws out seven and a half pounds of garbage every day? We all could be doing more to save the planet. Think about how your family could pitch in to help - by recycling more, buying products with less packaging and harsh chemicals, using energy-efficient lightbulbs, and so on. Then talk to your folks and siblings about teaming up to make your home a "greener" environment.

Lights On, Lights Off

This one is simple! Just turn out the lights whenever you leave a room. Doing this can save tons of energy over time - not to mention cutting your parents' electricity bill.

Tote Lunch In Style

Instead of using a paper bag or disposable container to bring your lunches or snacks to school, think re-usable. Buy an adorable lunch sack that you can clean and re-use every day. Even a plastic container that you stash in your locker and clean to use again, is better than one that you discard after one use. While you're at it, cut up snacks and bring them to school in a reusable bowl or baggie, instead of buying pre-packaged munchies (who needs all that packaging?). Bonus - this is not just a good "green" practice, it's healthier for you too.

Get Artistic

Are you a talented drawer? Make Earth Day posters to display at school or elsewhere, and inspire others to follow your good example. (Remember to use recycled paper!)

Connect With Nature

If you live in a city, you may feel out of touch with Mother Earth. Take a trip to a botanical garden, local park, butterfly reserve or other nature-oriented place. Pay attention to how the different plants, animals and/or insects you see. Be impressed by what Mother Earth is capable of!

Get Informed

Did you know that recycled glass uses only two-thirds the energy needed to manufacture glass from scratch? That means for every soft drink bottle you recycle, you save enough energy to run a TV set for an hour and a half. Find out more fascinating facts about the power of recycling and other environmentally-friendly practices. Do your research on the Internet or at your local library, then use your knowledge to bring others up to speed.

Plant A Tree

A tree is nature's air purifier. Every tree that gets planted helps to reduce Planting trees helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, clean pollution, secure soil in place to prevent erosion, and provide homes for birds, insects and animals. Ask your folks if you can plant a new tree in your yard, or check your local community center or your city's website to find out how you can get involved in a tree planting project.

Get Crafty

Who says being green can't be fun? Make nature crafts at school or home. Get together with your family and build a birdhouse or make a bird feeder to encourage the local bird population, which plays an important role in every ecosystem. Use empty packaging (such as paper egg cartons) to create a lovely visiting spot for our winged friends. Think of other fun crafts you can do with stuff that would otherwise be thrown away.

Raid Your Closet

When jeans get too short, make them into cut-offs or a mini-skirt. Have clothing swap parties with friends, to see if you can't trade one another's cast-offs. Donate old clothing items that you can't re-use to charity organizations, so they can be re-purposed by somebody in need.

Give A Presentation

Are you up on the dangers of climate change? Think you know how we could solve the problem? Do something with that know-how! Teach others about the environment and inspire your friends and classmates to make a difference. You could offer to give a speech for a class, or at your local library, about a subject you're savvy about, whether that's recycling, composting, making environmentally-friendly makeup and clothing choices, and so on.

Make Earth Day Dinner

Cook a special Earth Day meal for your family, and show them that going green can be delicious! Plan a menu that uses locally produced foods, is healthy, organically-grown and has minimal impact on the environment. Decorate the table with recycled decorations made by you and your friends.

Write A Letter

Fifteen years ago, 9-year-old Melissa Poe of Nashville saw a TV show about pollution. Horrified by the problem, she wrote a letter to the president that suggested he "get on TV and put up big signs" to make people aware of the problem. She also founded Kids FACE, an environmental organization for young people. Be inspired by Melissa's example, and make your voice heard to save the planet! You can write letters to government leaders and corporations (enlist your parents to help you look up names and addresses) about pollution and other environmental issues.