Nature Net News
December 2007
Giving Back to the Earth
"There
is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks.
Most of the time we are simply not patient enough,
quiet enough, to pay attention to the story."
Linda Hogan
Dear Reader, Some folks say this is the time of year for giving thanks and for giving back. Any way you look at it, it's akin to nature's cycle - producing and giving, taking back and recycling, and giving all over again. This month's Nature Net News is filled with ideas for you and your children to prepare for the holidays by aiming to take part in this natural cycle. Whether it's the simple task of opting out of the "paper or plastic?" debate, or taking serious steps to change your lifestyle in order to change the world, you'll find this issue full of ideas for giving back to the earth. The earth will thank you. Enjoy! Kathe & Betsy |
In the year 2000, Wisconsin citizens kept almost 1.69 million tons of material out of landfills and incinerators by recycling? At this rate, we could "save" landfill space equivalent to the size of an average municipal waste landfill every one and a half to two years.
What to Do This Month:
Remember to renew your membership to your favorite Nature Net site (see this
month's Featured Nature Net Site for quick links).
Grab your canvas grocery bag as you head to the store. (Don't have one? Make your own.)
Save 1.5 trees per year by stopping unsolicited mail from arriving in your mailbox.
Calculate your Live Impact on the Earth and pledge to make a difference.
Green up your holidays with tips from the
Sierra Club or gift ideas
from
Environmental Defense.
Check out the Nature Net
Calendar of Events for other fun family programs.
Talking Green
Global warming, carbon footprints, air and water pollution, endangered species - it sounds so dire and scary. Sometimes our concern for the environment, though very real, can seem a bit daunting to down right troubling to our little ones. Remember to talk to your young naturalist about things that are going well with the environment. And reinforce that everyone, even kids, have the power to make a difference in the world. From obvious and easy undertakings to hard work and dedication, families and children can play an important role in improving the health status of planet earth.
Need help finding good news about the environment? Check out the Good News Network or read about Bald Eagles' recovery from endangerment.
Instant Outdoor Expert:
Curious About the Three R's
If you or your kids are familiar with the Curious
George movie, you know Jack Johnson's eco-friendly song, "The Three R's".
(Reduce, Reuse, and if the first two R's don't work out...Recycle.)
This time of year there are many opportunities to
take this fun message to heart and put the three R's into practice. It's a
perfect time to discuss with your children the notion of giving back to the
earth and community. Have your little ones think about what
they enjoy and how they can reciprocate in kind.
Reduce: Could we reduce the amount of
material items purchased? Try
precycling or freecycling.
Reuse: How about donating gently-used toys or clothing to
be reused by others? Here are some places to donate:
Goodwill,
Salvation Army.
Recycle: Who couldn't use a brush up on which items can and cannot go in the
recycle bin? The
National Recycling Coalition
is happy to fill you in.
So, get your family "curious" about the three R's and start a few new holiday
traditions. Ways to "give back" to the earth and community are limited only by your imagination.
Here are some more resources to help spark the imagination:
Earth 911,
EPA Kids Climate Change,
and PBS Kids
Zoom!
Eco-Exercise:
Physical Philanthropy
Looking for a natural way to get fit this month and give back to the
community? Try shoveling your neighbor's walk! 15 minutes of shoveling can
account for half of your recommended daily moderate
physical exercise. Is there someone in your community who cannot keep up
with the snow? Who might need help around the yard? Find someone who could
benefit from your generous spirit and stamina and give them your gift. Once
you're out there, remember to take it slow and warm up or stretch
beforehand. Keep your back straight and lift with your legs; let your torso,
shoulders and thighs do most of the work. For other safe shoveling tips see
the National Safety
Council. Have fun and stay fit.
Featured Nature Net Site
Nature Craft
Nature
Net Memberships
Giving a gift that gives back is simple with a gift membership to your
favorite Nature Net site. Many of Nature Net's quality locations rely on
memberships to sustain the valuable programming offered to the youth and
adults of Wisconsin. Many of the positive hands-on experiences - those
researches say are necessary for children to form a connection with
nature and our planet, and therefore a desire to save, preserve or do
what it takes to "give back" to the earth - are offered through Nature
Net. Here are some quick links for your worthwhile gift-giving:
Recycled Crayons
Homemade gifts always warm the heart. One that's recycled,
can serve double duty as a both a thoughtful gift and a
reduction of waste. These recycled crayons can be made in any shape but
are shown here formed in heart-shaped muffin tins - you can get as
creative as the supplies available at your house allow. Here's how to get
started:
Use a table knife to chop old crayons (paper peeled
off) into pea-size pieces
(parental assistance may be necessary). Take care to keep colors separate so
inspired color combinations can be created. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 150 degrees.
Now, fill muffin tins with
crayon pieces, arranging them in interesting designs.
Bake your new crayons just until the waxes melt, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the shapes after they have cooled. If they stick, place
the tray
in the freezer for an hour, and the crayons will pop out.
Don't forget to make a set for yourself!
Suggested Reading:
"The Wartville Wizard" by Don Madden (age 4-8)
"The Three R's: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle" by Nuria Roca (age 4-8)
"Miss Rumphius" by Barbara Cooney (age 4-8)
"The Wump World" by Bill Peet (age 4-8)
"Journey for the Planet: A Kid's Five Week Adventure to Create an
Earth-friendly Life" by David Gershon (age 4-8)
"The Lorax" (Classic Seuss) by Dr. Seuss (age 4-12)
"Just a Dream" by Chris Van Allsburg (age 7-10)
"50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth" by LLC Andrews McMeel
Publishing & The EarthWorks Group (age 9-12)
"Down-to-Earth Guide To Global Warming" by Laurie David and Cambria Gordon
(age 9-12)
"Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment" by Linda
Schwartz (age 9-12)
"You Are the Earth: Know the Planet So You Can Make It Better" by David Suzuki
& Kathy Vanderlinden (age 9-12)
"Nature in a Nutshell for Kids: Over 100 Activities You Can Do in Ten Minutes
or Less" by Jean Potter (age 9-12)
"Good News for a Change: How Everyday People are Helping the Planet" by
David Suzuki (age adult)
