As published in the Lafayette Today newspaper.
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Green Tips: For Kids, By Kids
By: Allyson Anderson, Emma Anderson, Camille Roth, Samantha Taketa and Sarah Taketa, 5th graders at Lafayette Elementary School
Kids care about the environment. We understand that the earth's resources are limited and need protection. But, we don't always know what we can do to help. As it turns out, there are lots of things we can do that really will make a difference. Here are just a few ideas:
Save Water:
- Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.
- If you have a "water-hog" toilet, ask your parents to replace it with a "low-flow" toilet. Also, make sure that any toilet leaks are fixed!
- When taking a shower, put the soap in your hair and then turn off the water while scrubbing. Don't turn the water back on until it is time to rinse.
Save Energy:
- Turn down the heat. "Sweater temperature" is 65º F -68ºF, "blanket temperature" is 55ºF - 58º F.
- Unplug! If you are not using electronics, unplug them from the outlet. You may not know it, but doing this saves a lot of electricity.
- Be sure to turn off the lights, TV, radio and CD player when you leave the room.
Be an "Earth Friendly " Shopper:
- Use re-usable bags and remind your parents to bring them into the store.
- Buy less unnecessary "stuff," by buying only what you really need.
- Grow some of your fruits and vegetables at home in your garden.
Reduce Waste:
- Before throwing away old toys, books, computer games, CDs or DVDs, have a "swap party." Invite a bunch of friends to bring over their unwanted stuff, and then trade whatever people want. Take whatever is left to Goodwill.
- Reuse garbage. Turn an old CD case into a photo frame or card, or decorate an old ice cream carton and turn it into a cool storage container.
- Have a waste free lunch. Pack your food and drink in re-usable containers. Use your backpack or re-usable bag to carry your lunch. Use a cloth napkin instead of a paper one. Don't pack more than you are going to eat.
Tell Others:
- Start an environmentally friendly group, and then find activities you can do around your community, like picking up trash
- Spread the word by telling your friend what you know and setting a good example by taking responsibility in how you use the earth's resources.
LEARN MORE! Ask your parents to bring you to a great environmental event created especially for area kids called Global Warming: Kids Making a Difference. The event is on March 16, 2009, 7 - 8:30 p.m., at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Watch a special presentation by The Climate Project on global climate change; hear from other kids what they are doing to make a difference; check-out 15 -20 great displays about what kids can and are doing to help the environment. Find out what YOU CAN DO! The event is free, but you have to sign up in advance. Simply ask your parents to register by sending an email to aej@cpdb.com.
To read more about what schools and students are doing in Lafayette to protect the environment, visit www.sustainablelafayette.net/schools. Maybe you have your own story to share?
link to PDF of Lafayette Today that
included article on page 8.