Environmentally Conscious Activities During School Closures and Social Distancing

From PennEnvironment (http://www.pennenvironment.org):

People across the country are facing weeks of social distancing. While this is a challenging time, it doesn’t have to be idle or boring. PennEnvironment brainstormed some meaningful ways to continue supporting a cleaner and greener future during the coronavirus outbreak.

We hope these will help you and your kids fill weeks of school closures and social distancing with environmentally conscious activities. Read our list of 50 ideas for learning about and protecting the planet we call home.

Here are some of our favorites:

1. Create a self-portrait out of leaves, sticks and other foraged materials.
2. Organize a family litter patrol. Get gloves and pick-up tools and pick up trash as you go on a walk in a neighborhood park.
3. Make up a song about protecting animals in your hometown from pollution.
4. Research waterways in your community, and make a map of local rivers, lakes and streams.
5. Write a letter to your school district asking them to adopt electric school buses.
6. Draw a picture of your favorite animals that need greater protections, such as bees, sea turtles and orcas. Post the pictures to social media and tag your elected officials. Tag us too, we’d love to see them!
7. Write a letter to your member of Congress in support of the Break Free from Plastics Act of 2020 to reduce single-use plastic and packaging nationwide.
8. Try to repair something — whether a toy, gadget or picture frame, there are instructions to fix anything on YouTube. Discuss how repairing things can reduce waste while you fix your item.
9. Make art out of trash and then have an art show at home.
10. Make a pledge to reduce your plastic use and create an online challenge with your friends.

Social distancing doesn’t have to be boring. Check out our full list for all 50 activities you can do at home to learn about climate change solutions, protect wildlife, and create a healthier home.