While we are at home, it’s a great time to learn different ways you can help our environment.

Get Crafty

Make A Bug Hotel

While I was in Belper England last year, we saw bug hotels placed in some of their gardens.  I thought this would be a fun DIY craft to do while we are home-bound.
I am showing two YouTube videos below – one kids can do on their own, or one that would need adults to get involved.  Either way, the bugs will love it and your garden will have a new garden art piece.
World Wildlife Fund UK                                                          The Garden Gurus
YouTube video (kid friendly activity)                                   YouTube video (adult level project) 
Make a bat from a toilet paper tube while you learn about bat species in RI.
RI Division of Fish & Wildlife
YouTube video (kid friendly activity)

GAMES 

* What’s In Your Bin? 

1. Review the current recycling rules –  RIRRC Recycle Guidelines
2. Look in your recycle bin.  Have your kids check what is in your recycling bin against the list of what belongs in the recycling. Then check against the items that do not belong.
3. How did your family do? Maybe give a point or a treat for each correct item and definitely remove any items from the bin any items you now understand are not recyclable.

* Recycling Scavenger Hunt

There are many items that can be recycled all throughout your house. Use this flyer and send your kids of to look for recyclable items you have in your different rooms. Maybe have them mark the item with colored tape, or a marker.  As your done with these items, you’ll remember what belongs in the recycle bin so it won’t get thrown by mistake in the trash.  View Flyer

* What Goes Where

(grade 7 – adult)
Now test you’re skill understanding what belongs in trash, recycling, compost bins, Eco-Depot, ReSTORE program & special recycling events.
You’ll be a recycling pro when you’re done!!

* Track where your storm water travels during a rainstorm.

BOOKS & VIDEOS

Good Reads:

Earth Day by Linda Lowery
What a Load of Garbage by Claire LLewwllyn
Berenstain Bears Don’t Pollute (Anymore) by Stan & Jan Berenstain
Recycle Every Day! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
Garbage by Robert Maass
Judy Moody Saves the World! by Megan McDonald
Retrieving with Evie by Susan Harp
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth by The Earth Works Group

Videos:

What Happens to Our Curbside Recycling. (YouTube video 2012)
Get an inside look at RI’s Materials Recycling Facility, or the “MRF” for short. All of RI’s cities and towns bring their mixed recyclables to the MRF, and their journey begins on the tip floor…
Saving Inky (YouTube video 1984)
See what happens to Inky, a baby Pygmy sperm whale, as she is rescued of the coast of New Jersey.
How Do Bees Make Honey? (YouTube video 2016)
As we start our gardening season, learn about bees and how they turn pollen into honey.
How to Recycle Right in RI (YouTube video 2017)
Make sure you are up to date with the newest rules on what belongs in your curbside recycling bin/cart.

GET CREATIVE 

Earth Day Story Writing Contest

In celebration of Earth Day 2020, the Story Walking Radio Hour is partnering with Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful and the Dreamvisions 7 Radio Nework to sponsor a story writing contest. The top entries are invited to share their stories on the Kids 4 Love Project Radio Show and will earn an “Earth Day 2020 Certificate of Recognition for Community Service.”

Design a poster for KBVB’s
4th Annual Don’t Litter Poster Contest

***   KEEP SUBMITTING  POSTERS  *** 
* Submission dates are extended so send in your posters.
* Posters will be displayed in the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center gallery when we reopen. 
* PawSox Game date will also have to TBD when things are back to normal.

Write a Poem for the Environment

share your poems here

Create an Earth Day sidewalk chalk mural   

Build Your Knowledge

Understanding Litter 101

(KBVB’s lessons learned on litter)

Ever wonder why people litter? Or are you questioning, how bad is a few wrappers or cups if I toss them out on the street?

While we say we want to stop litter, how do we do this. Keep America Beautiful and other sources have taught me to dig deep into this topic to better understand litter and what it will take to really stop litter in our communities.
Below is a presentation I gave to the Lincoln Middle School Environmental Team. The students were a great inspiration as they interacted with lots of comments and questions on this subject.
Who would of thought talking about litter would be so fun and engage these students. I’ve found many individuals of all ages are concerned about our environment and want to learn what they can do to help, so I thought I would share this presentation.
Hopefully you will find this information helpful and consider sharing with your family, friends, students or anyone who might be inclined to litter or who wants to learn more about this subject.
Earth Day does not only mean picking up other peoples litter, it means taking the time to learn how to stop litter from happening in the first place. Now is great time to learn.
Comments & suggestions always appreciated. Your ideas will help KBVB build better & stronger programs.    Share comments here  

View Presentation