Visit the Air section of EekoWorld to learn how electricity use causes air pollution. Share your last month's electric bill with your family. Go to the Cleaner and Greener Web site and enter the cost of your electric bill into the Cleaner and Greenersm "Pollution from Electricity Use" calculator to find out how much pollution was caused last month by your family's electricity use.
As a family, take the Lower Your Electric Bill Challenge. Discuss ways that your family can save electricity. You might want to create and hang Save Electricity Reminders on places such as light switches, appliances, thermostats, shower doors, etc., to help remind family members to save electricity. Compare your next month's electric bill to see how successful your family was in the Lower Your Electric Bill Challenge.
Family/Community Connection: Encourage neighbors and family members to take the Lower Your Electric Bill Challenge. Share ideas for saving energy and compare the results in your electric bills. Contact your local newspaper to let them know that your neighborhood is participating in a Lower Your Electric Bill Challenge.
Fun Hands-on Activities That Help The Environment
Create a Backyard Habitat
Create your own backyard habitat. Visit the National Wildlife Federation Web site to learn how.
Square Foot Garden
Create a family square foot garden. Borrow a book from your local library or visit The Journey to Forever Web site for assistance in your endeavor.
Family Compost
Embark on a family compost project. To learn about composting you might borrow a book from your local library or contact your local county extension service. The Texas Agricultural Extension Service's Composting For Kids Web site provides excellent information in a kid friendly format.
Worm Farm
Create a family worm farm. The Environmental Protection Agency offers directions to help in the creation of your worm farm.
Make Recycled Paper
Making your own recycled paper can be a fun and productive way to spend a rainy afternoon. The National Wildlife Federation's Web site contains directions for making recycled paper.
Reduce Junk Mail
Are you tired of all the junk mail that finds its way to your mailbox? Gather your family together to help solve this problem. These Web sites offer suggestions on how to cut down on junk mail.
Plant a Tree
Plant a family tree. Take a family photograph in front of the tree every year on Earth Day to document how your tree and your family are growing. The EcoKids Online Web site contains tips on planting trees (under Science & Nature section. Click Tree Planting Tips)..
