When a child is born, parents make sure that they are provided with a healthy and clean environment. Babies are cleaned with the bubbles of baby-safe shampoo, massaged with baby lotion that keeps the skin soft, and showered love and attention that builds personality. The environment that we surround our babies with is neat, clean and well-maintained for a reason: a healthy, happy environment can help ensure a healthy, happy life.

That is the theory that is demonstrated on April 22nd of every year as we celebrate Earth Day. This day is a global effort to bring awareness and support to environmental protection and preservation. Without a healthy, happy world, we would not be able to continue to grow healthy lives. As important as the surroundings of a baby is to their personal growth and development, the ecosystem that we all share is important to our growth as people.

As has been said over and over again, children are the future. Education about Earth Day and caring for our home should begin with children since they are sponges and learn what you want them to learn. That makes these early years a great opportunity to teach  the importance of keeping the Earth clean, trying to cut down on wasteful practices and materials, recycling when appropriate and having a respect for natural resources and the power of Mother Nature herself.

Here are some simple techniques that you can teach to your children

• turning off extra lights in the house,
• turning off the faucet while they are brushing their teeth,
• reuse things rather than simply wasting them,
• recycle appropriate items instead of throwing them in the trash
• walk/ride a bike instead of taking a car

For something a little more involved, show your child how to plant a seed and grow a flower or tree. Teach them to water and care for the plant and explain to them that trees give off the oxygen that we need to live. It is giving back to the planet every hour of every day. It’s also a symbolic circle of life: a planted seed will ensure oxygen for the newly born babies of the world. One child giving to another.

Last but not least, educate your children that Earth Day is not just a matter of honoring the Earth on one particular day, but rather that it is a lifetime commitment.