Word Environment Day is a day when we pay tribute to the environment by pledging to take care of it and spreading awareness about the same. Increasing air pollution, global warming, and climate change are a serious problem today, hence it is imperative that we learn how to take care of our environment and encourage others to do the same. Read on to know more about World Environment Day!
What Is World Environment Day and When Is It Celebrated?
World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated on the 5th of June every year. Its a day when communities and countries all over the globe discuss environmental awareness and spread the message through various public campaigns and events. Its also a day when successful campaigns around the environment are showcased, thus encouraging the public to do their bit towards protecting and preserving the environment around them.
Why Is World Environment Day Important?
World Environment Day is important because it is on this day that environmentalists and conservationists promote how their contributions have made a difference to the environment. World Environment Day forms a part of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) whose mission is to raise awareness and encourage actions that promote the preservation of the environment all over the world.
The event is important because the day is celebrated by more than 100 countries across the globe, and it comes with a different theme for different cities. The first World Environment Day was hosted back in 1973 and was celebrated with the theme, only one earth.
What Is the History of World Environment Day?
World Environment Day was established to make the public aware of various environmental issues like global warming, deforestation, plastic pollution, and greenhouse gases. It was brought into existence by the United Nations General Assembly and was first introduced through several effective campaigns. The purpose of this day was to make the public conscious of how they, together, can play a huge role in preserving the environment and how they can be more powerful than government, public, and private organisations as well.
Other Important Facts About World Environment Day That Children Should Know
Here are some important (and fun) facts about World Environment Day that your kids should know.
- World Environment Day has its very own anthem.
- The first World Environment Day was celebrated on June 5th, 1973.
- The UN General Assembly in 1972 established World Environment Day.
- Over 80 trillion aluminium cans are recycled every year, and just one of them is enough to power a TV for 3 hours!
- Over 100 countries are involved in the public outreach campaigns of World Environment Day.
- According to a WWF report, the rate at which the population is growing, it is estimated that humankind will need three planets to sustain life by the year 2050.
- Food waste across the world contributes to 14% of global carbon emissions!
- There is no one way of celebrating World Environment Day. Every country celebrates it in different ways, like parades, environmental outreach programs, street rallies, concerts, etc.
- Around 27,000 trees are cut down every day to supply the growing demand for toilet paper.
World Environment Day Activities for Kids
Here are a few fun World Environment Day craft activities that your kids are sure to enjoy. We suggest that you help your kids with these activities and help them understand how they can preserve the environment.
1. DIY Compost Bin
If youd like to skip using harmful chemical fertilisers for plants, try making this DIY compost bin. Its very simple and your kids will love to make it.
What You Will Need
- A plastic bucket
- Fruit and vegetable peels and scraps
- Used tea leaves
- Coffee grounds
- Loose soil
- Water
- Something to drill holes with
How to Do
- Drill holes on the base and sides of the bucket.
- Layer it up with vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and used tea leaves.
- Add the loose soil on top.
- Sprinkle water and cover the bucket with a lid.
- Swirl around the pile every now and then and let it sit for 4 weeks. Your compost will be ready.
2. Birdhouse, the Shoebox Way
if youve got a spare shoebox lying around the house, dont let it go to waste. Heres how you can teach your kids to make a birdhouse out of it:
What You Will Need
How to Do
- Cut a 3-inch diameter hole in the middle of the shoebox.
- Fill in the hole with some grass and tiny rocks to make a nest. or do anything that will make birds feel welcome.
- Tape the edges of the box to make sure they are held in place.
- Suspend a string in the air and connect it to the top of the shoebox. This will let you hang it wherever you like.
3. Fruit Peel Cleaner
If you want to become proficient in the art of reusing and recycling, try out this DIY, eco-friendly detergent/cleaning project. You can use the liquid to clean up your house!
What You Need
- An airtight container
- A couple of fruit peels
- Brown sugar/jaggery powder
How to Do
- Put a bunch of fruit peels in an airtight container.
- Add the brown sugar or jaggery to it and let the mixture sit and ferment for a couple of days.
- Make sure to unscrew the lid and get the gas out every other day.
- When one week is up, remove the mix and filter the liquid. Use this to clean your house, utensils, or any surface.
4. Cardboard Box Holder
Got a cardboard box lying around the house? Dont throw it away; use it! Heres how
What You Need
- Any cardboard box (preferably cereal boxes)
- A pair of scissors
- Coloured paper
- Glue
How to Do
- Make a 45-degree angular cut around the sides of the box and cut away around the centre of the body horizontally, connecting one side to the other.
- Your silhouette is ready. Cut different coloured pieces of paper into long rectangular strips. Glue these on the front of the box and on the insides for a unique look.
- Place this cardboard box holder on your table or anywhere else to store stationery and other essentials.
5. Recyclable T-shirt Bag
For this activity, you will need a spare t-shirt that you were planning on throwing away. Heres how you can make a recyclable T-shirt bag
What You Need
- A t-shirt with a scoop neckline or rounded neckline
- A pair of scissors
How to Do
- Start off by cutting around the round neckline area of the shirt.
- Cut off the sleeves (if any).
- Spread out the shirt and turn it inside out.
- Make frills on the edges/hemline by cutting with the scissors.
- Tie two neighbouring frills with each other into knots. Do so for all the frills.
- Turn the t-shirt bag inside out again, and voila you are done!
Taking care of yourself starts with taking care of your planet. World Environment Day reminds us to pay respect to the world we live in. In time for the next WED, start practising sustainable living and watch your life transform. Living an environmentally conscious life is the best decision youll make after all, youll be leaving the world a better place for your child.
Also Read:
Air Pollution Information and Facts for Kids
Pollution Facts for Children
Water Pollution Information and Facts for Kids
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