Nanny to Mommy

Earth Day (April 22nd) is the perfect opportunity to teach kids about caring for our planet while making meaningful changes as a family. Small steps can lead to big environmental impacts, and getting children involved in eco-friendly habits from an early age sets the foundation for a greener future. Whether you’re looking for easy ways to reduce waste, support sustainability, or simply connect with nature, here are five practical ways to celebrate Earth Day as a family.

Many household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are not only harmful to the environment but can also affect indoor air quality and pose health risks to children and pets. This Earth Day, make the switch to Force of Nature, a powerful, non-toxic cleaner that uses simple ingredients like water, salt, and electricity to create a safe and effective disinfectant. Unlike traditional chemical cleaners, Force of Nature is biodegradable, reduces plastic waste with its refillable system, and eliminates the need for multiple cleaning products in your home. By choosing safer, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, you’re protecting both your family and the planet.

Food waste is a huge environmental issue, but composting is an easy way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Plus, kids love getting involved in the composting process! Set up a small compost bin in your backyard or even a countertop bin for kitchen scraps. Explain to your children which items can be composted—like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells—and which should be avoided, such as dairy and meat. Over time, they’ll see firsthand how organic waste transforms into rich soil that can be used for planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables.

- Reduces food waste in landfills

- Improves soil health and helps plants thrive

- Lowers methane emissions, which contribute to climate change

If you don’t have space for a compost bin at home, check with your local community garden or city composting program to see how you can participate.

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. However, many families struggle with knowing what can and cannot be recycled. Take Earth Day as an opportunity to educate your kids about proper recycling habits and make it fun!

- Create a color-coded recycling station so kids can easily sort paper, plastic, and glass.

- Turn recycling into a game by challenging your children to see who can correctly sort the most items.

- Get creative by repurposing materials—turn old jars into storage containers or use cardboard boxes for arts and crafts projects.

Recycling not only reduces waste but also conserves energy and resources, helping to create a cleaner, more sustainable planet.

One of the most hands-on ways to celebrate Earth Day is by picking up litter in your community. Whether it’s on the side of the road, in a local park, or along a hiking trail, cleaning up trash makes a visible difference and teaches kids the importance of keeping the environment clean.

- Equip everyone with gloves and reusable bags to collect trash safely.

- Separate recyclables from trash as you go.

- Make it a scavenger hunt by seeing who can find the most littered items.

- Talk about the impact of litter on wildlife and ecosystems to help kids understand why picking up trash matters.

This simple yet powerful activity encourages kids to be more mindful about littering and instills a sense of responsibility for their surroundings.

One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is by supporting local farmers and businesses that prioritize sustainability. When you shop locally, you reduce carbon emissions from transportation, support small businesses, and often get fresher, higher-quality products.

- Visit a farmers’ market to buy fresh, seasonal produce.

- Look for products with minimal packaging to reduce waste.

- Choose eco-friendly brands that prioritize sustainability.

- Support thrift stores and second-hand shops to reduce the demand for new production.

By making conscious choices about where and how you shop, you’re contributing to a healthier planet while also strengthening your local economy.

While Earth Day is a great time to reflect on how we treat the planet, the habits we form shouldn’t stop there. Encourage your family to continue these sustainable practices year-round. Small changes—like switching to non-toxic cleaners, composting, recycling, picking up litter, and shopping locally—add up to a big impact over time.

This Earth Day, take the opportunity to start new traditions and inspire your children to be caretakers of the Earth. Whether it’s through simple acts or larger commitments, every step toward sustainability helps build a cleaner, greener world for future generations.