Every year on April 22, more than one billion people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day—a powerful reminder that small actions can make a big difference.

As awareness of climate change continues to grow, teaching children about caring for our planet is more important than ever. They are the next generation who will shape the future of our world, and the choices they make will have a lasting impact.

The theme for Earth Day 2026, Our Power, Our Planet, highlights how everyday actions—at home, at school, and in our communities—can come together to create meaningful change. It’s a reminder that when we all do our part, we can help protect the planet for future generations. Learn more from EarthDay.Org

Be an Earth Steward!

You don’t have to wait for Earth Day to make a difference — you can help our planet all year long! Join local community clean-up events, plant trees, or even organize your own mini clean-up to care for your neighbourhood and the environment. Every little action counts, and it’s a great way to connect with your community while protecting our planet.

Here are some local opportunities to get involved:

• Toronto: Community Clean-Up Event
• Peel: Community Clean-Up Event
• York: Community Clean-Up & Tree Planting

Grab some gloves, bring a friend, and make a difference — one piece of litter or one tree at a time!

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From Coffee to Creamy … Make Your Own Ice Cream!

Want a fun, easy recipe with things you probably have at home? Check out this KidSpark (Ontario Science Centre) recipe for homemade ice cream! With just ice, salt, and a little shaking, you can make a sweet treat in no time.

National GOOS Paper Day!

Each year, on the first day of April, teachers, workplaces, and families across the country celebrate National GOOS Paper Day.  At Family Day, we try to celebrate GOOS (Good On One Side) Paper Day every day as a reminder to reduce waste by reusing paper before recycling it. Wondering how can you participate?
✅ Use the blank side of printed sheets for notes or drafts.
✅ Set up a GOOS paper tray at home or in the office.
✅ Encourage kids to get creative—it makes great art supplies!
Every small action helps create a greener future. Learn more from EcoSchools.ca 

Build a Treasure Basket!

Elinor Goldschmied (1910–2009) had a pioneering influence on early years policy in the UK and internationally. She considered her most important contribution to early child development to be the concept of the Treasure Basket.

What is the Treasure Basket?
The Treasure Basket is a collection of 80–100 natural, household, and recycled objects placed in a sturdy, round wicker basket. It’s designed for seated infants, typically between 5 and 10 months old. The basket offers babies a rich variety of materials to explore — allowing them to choose, handle, and investigate objects at their own pace.

Find out more about Elinor Goldschmied & Treasure Baskets from Froebel Trust

Earth Rangers!

Earth Rangers is a charity that transforms children’s concerns about the environment into positive action. Through a variety of programs and content, Earth Rangers can empower kids to become environmental leaders at home, in school and in their communities. Members are committed to leaving the world better than they found it – and having a whole lot of fun doing it.  Find out more about Earth Rangers and their programs.

Helping Kids Turn Worry Into Empowerment — From Eco-Anxiety to Eco-Action!

It’s natural for kids to feel scared or overwhelmed when they learn about the challenges facing our planet. This feeling, known as eco-anxiety, is a real and valid response to the environmental issues they see around them.  Parents can guide children toward hope and action. By listening to their concerns, validating their feelings, and showing how even small steps—like reusing paper or sorting recycling—can make a difference, we help them shift from anxiety to agency.  Check out this great guide to help parents turn eco-anxiety into eco-action from Earth Rangers. When children see that their actions matter, they gain the confidence to care, to act, and to lead!

Plant a Pollinator Garden!

Plant a pollinator garden and turn your yard into a buzzing, blooming haven where bees, butterflies, and beauty thrive together.

A pollinator garden is one of the simplest—and most impactful—ways to support the environment right at home. By choosing the right plants, you can create a space that nourishes essential pollinators while adding colour and life to your yard.

Environment and Climate Change Canada offers a great video to help children get started on their own pollinator garden → What is a Pollinator Garden?

Bees are vital for environmental health, pollinating 30% of global crops and 90% of wildflowers. However, they are facing declines due to pesticide use and habitat loss.

Celebrate Earth Day by planting native flowers, avoiding chemicals, providing water, and supporting local beekeepers—simple actions that can make a big difference. Learn more in EARTHDAY.ORG’s Bee Facts.

Kids versus Plastic – National Geographic Kids

Learn more about how you can fight plastic pollution on our planet at National Geographic Kids using the downloadable tool kits provided.

Watch Kids vs Plastics video clips and have fun making do-it-yourself crafts that will help reduce your use of plastics.

DIY Bug Hotel

Bugs are a very important part of our ecosystem.  Why not use items from your backyard and create a habitat for these little critters?   Outdoor Play Canada member, Dr. Megan Zeni, offers lots of information about different bug habitats and a step-by-step guide to making your own bug hotel.

To make this project even more fun and easy to follow, we’ve included a video showing how to build a bug hotel step‑by‑step. The video walks you through using simple materials like a milk carton and filling it with sticks, pinecones, cardboard tubes, and other natural bits to create cosy little nooks for insects to explore and shelter in — perfect for learning about habitats and helping tiny garden friends thrive. Seeing the process in action can help inspire ideas for your own bug hotel designs and makes it a great craft to try with children!  Watch the bug hotel video guide

Take a Walk, Sit a While, and Take It All In!

Going on a nature walk and really noticing what’s around you encourages children to slow down and engage all their senses. It’s a simple way to help them focus, spark curiosity, and build a connection with the world around them. Plus, it can be a peaceful, meaningful moment to share together. For some inspiration, check out Noticing Nature Walk from Raising Children Australia (perfect for children aged 3–6).

While You’re at It, Find a Sit Spot!

Nature Sit Spots invite people of all ages to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and observe plants and animals. Simply choose a comfy spot, sit quietly, and take in your surroundings. You can reflect through drawing or journaling as the seasons change. Learn more about creating your own sit spot at Woodland Woman, or watch this video from the Royal Botanical Gardens to see sit spots in action.

Want to make your sit spot even cozier? Try making a ‘sit-upon’ using recycled or repurposed materials. Here are some helpful step-by-step videos:

• Sit-upon for kids
• Sit-upon for adults

Recycling in Ontario:  What you should know.

Did you know that Canada launched the world’s first curbside recycling program—The Blue Box—in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1981? The model has since been adapted by over 150 countries!

Did you know that not all paper products are recyclable? For example, paper napkins belong in the compost.

Did you know that as of January 1, 2026 the province of Ontario standardized recycling for all municipalities. There are still tools to support in determining what is recycling vs Garbage vs organic waste. You can check your local municipality’s waste sorting tool for accurate guidance

♻️ Toronto – Waste Wizard 

♻️ York Region – Bindicator 

♻️ Peel Region – Waste Sorter 

Circular Materials, the organization that oversees the recyclable items collection, offers a helpful province-wide list of recyclable materials.

52 ACTIONS & TIPS to make a difference, every day of the year.

For us, every day is Earth Day. If you feel the same, here are 52 actions and tips, offered by EarthDay.Org,  to help you and your family make a difference, every day of the year.

Make Your Own Birdfeeder!

Make your own Eco-Friendly birdfeeder to attract some curious birds! They are simple to make and we can reuse your recyclables (plastic containers, milk carton, toilet paper roll) when creating birdfeeders. 

For another hands‑on DIY project that helps local wildlife, the Natural History Museum’s guide and video shows you how to make a simple bird feeder using a reused plastic bottle. The step‑by‑step instructions include preparing the bottle, adding perches, cutting feeding holes, filling it with seed, and choosing a good spot to hang it outside. Following these steps not only gives birds a reliable food source, especially when natural supplies are low, but also lets you watch a variety of species visit your garden up close!

40 New Uses for Things you were going to Throw Away

Good Housekeeping offers a list of 40 new uses for things you were going to throw away. See a variety of ways to repurpose everyday household items such as egg cartons (can be substituted with muffin trays), toilet paper rolls (can be substituted with paper towel or gift wrap rolls), disposable coffee cups & water bottles.

Simple Garden Projects to do with Children

Spring is here and the warm weather is just around the corner.  This link from the Old Farmers’ Almanac is full of easy garden projects to do with children. There are fun facts and activities for every level of gardener.

Read Aloud: How to Help the Earth – by the Lorax (with Tish Rabe)

The Lorax takes you on an information journey from what happens to garbage after it is put in the waste bin to easy tips and suggestions for how you and your family can go green by donating used items and clothing! 

Asking “How you can live like the Lorax?” is a great way to start a conversation, listen and share ideas, and make a plan for change within your household!  Recommended for Preschool/Kindergarten children.

Easy Sing-Along Song: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Chances are, you have a recycling bin in your home. That’s a great start — and a perfect opportunity to teach children why recycling matters and how small actions can help protect our planet!

This cheerful song (from Teach Music Preschool) is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the concept of reducing waste and making thoughtful choices about what we throw away. Set to the tune of “The More We Get Together”, it’s easy to learn and fun to sing along. Here are the lyrics:

Sing it together during clean-up time, before taking out the recycling, or even on a nature walk. Songs like this help reinforce positive habits in a playful and memorable way!  Every little action counts — and it all starts with awareness.