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I celebrate my birthday on April 22nd, which coincides with Earth Day. If having a birthday that aligns with my core beliefs and values is possible, then I certainly do. My daily goal is to improve the spaces and people around me with every interaction I have. While I don’t believe my Earth Day birthday directly shaped my passion for nature and my commitment to a cleaner, healthier world, I definitely use this day to encourage my kids to adopt an environmentalist mindset. On my birthday, I insist that we go on a “trash walk” together.
I tell my kids that the only gift I desire from them is their enthusiastic participation in this annual birthday tradition. While they don’t usually jump at the opportunity right away, we eventually get into the spirit. Initially, there are groans and complaints when I announce that I’m grabbing trash bags and the wagon for our haul. The challenge isn’t so much picking up litter as it is the walking—often deemed boring. I remind them that walking is beneficial for both our planet and our health, and I endure their endless Minecraft chatter without complaint. So, they can certainly put on their shoes.
The unpredictable weather in late April in our New England town can vary from snow to heat waves. Often, the kids have to bundle up, which annoys them, but nothing compares to the discomfort of a child who thrives in 60-degree weather suddenly facing 80-degree heat. This presents a great opportunity to discuss global warming!
Extreme weather events—like ice storms, raging wildfires, vanishing ice caps, and intense hurricane seasons—aren’t mere coincidences. Climate change is a reality driven by rising global temperatures due to human activities. The burning of fossil fuels is a major culprit in our planet’s deterioration. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, minimizing resource consumption, and optimizing our resource usage can significantly benefit our planet. This is when I ask my kids why we turn off the water while brushing our teeth. “Because we’ll hurt the polar bears if we don’t,” they mumble. Exactly! Now, let’s lace up those sneakers because we’re heading out to retrieve discarded masks from trees.
The pandemic has negatively impacted many aspects of our lives, including our relationship with the environment. Increased biomedical waste has been a troubling consequence of COVID-19. Landfill waste has surged while recycling has declined. The use of disinfectants, essential for combating the virus, has also contributed to pollution.
While these are likely short-term consequences, it will require long-term planning to remedy the damage. My kids often ask what we will do with all the masks once they are no longer needed, and I honestly don’t have an answer. For now, we wear washable, reusable masks and pick up the disposable ones carelessly discarded by others. It’s great to wear a mask and not be a selfish, COVID-spreading jerk, but please, throw your mask in the trash when you’re done!
Once I finish my rants, my kids are eager to escape the house, not just to silence me. They know they won’t get cake until the trash walk is complete, and if cake isn’t the ultimate motivator, what is?
The best part of our efforts to sustain the planet is that we always end up having fun together. The walk turns into a scavenger hunt, with a friendly competition to see who can gather the most “smokers”—cigarette butts, dirty diapers, and plastic bottles. This also allows us to vent about how inconsiderate some people can be. Discussions about privilege and entitlement happen naturally when we’re knee-deep in undoing the mess left by others.
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Restore Our Earth.” While I’m not a marketing expert, it seems a bit redundant. Of course, Earth Day is about restoring what we have lost, including our connection to nature. I’m doing my part and raising my kids to do the same. Once we get past the initial complaints, we’re left with a sense of pride and a deeper understanding of how our actions affect the land and animals that sustain us.
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Summary
Every Earth Day, I take my kids on a “trash walk” to promote environmental awareness while celebrating my birthday. Although they may initially resist, the experience turns into a fun scavenger hunt that fosters discussions about climate change and the importance of caring for our planet. Through this tradition, we grow closer and become more mindful of our impact on the environment.
Keyphrase: Earth Day family tradition
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