Book Review: 101 Ways you can help save the planet before you’re 12! By Joanne O’Sullivan
Make it last, don’t waste it, use it differently! Calling all kids! Must be curious. Like to have fun. Oh yes, and interested in saving the planet. Sounds like you? Good! Because you can make a big impact on the Earth’s future in small ways. Check it out!
Simple things you - and everyone you know – can do to make our world a greener, better place:
· Have litter-less lunches
· Organize a walk-to-school day
· Green your games
· Save paper with just a few clicks of a mouse
· Go eco-tripping
· Plug window leaks
· And so many more!
Ms. O’Sullivan lists six different eco-types realizing not all kids will have the same interest or talents. The student will learn what type they are and then can focus on the activities that most fit their interest. As a teacher looking for group projects, you could select one from each category dividing the class. This will illustrate how they all work together. For example, the nature kids can clean the litter from a nearby trail or park while the eco activities are helping a local group by writing letters and the green thumbs can plant a school garden.
Several different idea are listed that student could bring home to get parents involved. Some of the ideas offered for kids to incorporate as their own includes a ‘green’ Halloween:
- Host a party – the best recycled costume wins.
- Use empty toilet paper rolls to make a wig. Paint them and string them together.
- Use soy or beewax candles in your jack-o-lantern paraffin candles are made from petroleum.
Overall, this book would be a fabulous classroom resource. The ideas are great and could be easily adapted to group, individual, class, or even school projects.
