Cooperative Living April 2023 - 28

KIDS KORNER
Mother Earth
I
t is the annual Earth Day tribute and, in a way, it is
almost like having a big birthday/appreciation party
ike
av
birthday/appreciation par
for our beautiful blue and green globe. All around
the world, there will be festivities and events reminding
everyone to cherish and take care of our favorite place,
MOTHER EARTH.
THERE ARE COUNTLESS WAYS
TO CONNECT!
We earthlings have found countless ways to connect
with all that this life-giving planet provides.
If you like to do the things listed here,
then you are certainly connected!
... run barefoot in soft grasses.
... wade through a chilly stream.
... play in salty waves at the ocean.
... hike challenging mountain trails.
... grow amazing plants.
... encounter an awesome animal.
Time spent building a bond with nature is not
only enjoyable, it is also good for your health. Studies
show that connecting with nature for just 20 minutes
a day reduces stress and improves one's mood.
So, ifMother Earth is helping us stay happy and
healthy, shouldn't we return the favor, by investing in
ss and improves one's mood.
happy
her overall health?
That is exactly what Earth Day is all about. In over
190 countries, there will be a billion people ofall ages
observing this inspiring and action filled occasion.
There will be teach-ins and rallies raising awareness
over
n.
reness
ofclimate change, environmental issues and the
importance ofprotecting the earth's natural resources.ou ces
Schools will participate in poster contests andand
workshops that challenge students to create ideas for
REDUCING, REUSINGANDRECYCLING.
ideas
LING
tree plantings and clean-ups to encourage the general
publ
Communities will sponsor parades, nature walks,
ur wa
ourage the general
public to get involved outdoors.
ay
outdoors.
event in the world. Working together for Mother Earth's
well-being is not only the right thing to do ... it is vital
to everyone's existence!
Eartharth Day is widely recognized as the largest secular
as the
26 ● Cooperative Living ●
April 2023
for
and
esting
in
Plant something
Adding flowers, trees or vegetables to the earth is
always a great way to celebrate the planet. If your family
has a garden, ask for a small plot to grow a few
plants of your own. Or, you may want to try
patio/porch gardening. Be creative with your
planters, using an old bucket or large plastic
bottles, remembering to prepare drainage holes.
There are many recycling ideas online for
making clever planters.
The following plants will do well, either
in-ground or in containers -
Veggies - beans, lettuce, tomatoes.
Flowers - black-eyed Susan, petunias, salvia.
The pollinators (bees, butterflies and
hummingbirds) will thank you!
Make a Promise to Mother Earth
Decide to be proactive about the earth's huge litter
co-opliving.com
ddo not k
s ggestio
caregiv
Story and artwork by Anne M. Dellinger, Contributing Columnist
Please Handle with Care
Every year on April 22, a special celebration
honoring our home planet happens
Never forget that our planet belongs to all ofus.
And while none ofus can fix all its problems,
all ofus can do something.
EVEN SMALL ACTIONS CAN MAKE
A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE!
" Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It's not. " -Dr. Seuess
IIfyouf are ready to become that caring someone butb
following
do not knowwhere to start, look over the following
su
suggestions. Invite a friend to join you and your
nd to join you and your
caregiving impact will double!
double
Conduct a Mother Earth photo shoot
Walk through your neighborhood
with a camera and take photos (selfies,
too) of budding trees, early spring
flowers, insects, a stream, animals ...
anything nature related. Print and hang
the photos where you and your family will often be
reminded to admire and safeguard Mother Earth's
treasures. As the seasons change, take new pictures.
Nature is fascinating every month of the year!
KIDS! CLIP AND KEEP YOUR KIDS KORNER COLUMNS IN A THREE-RING BINDER AND YOU'LL HAVE A NOTEBOOK CHOCK FULL OF FUN IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE FUTURE!

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Cooperative Living April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living April 2023