Create a backyard or schoolyard habitat – make a backyard sketch, be sure to consider food/water/cover/nesting (http://eartheasy.com/play_bkyd_wildhab.htm), plant indigenous species in appropriate places; plant in clusters and multi-level; plant flowers to attract insects and birds; leave dead and dying trees when possible; and plant around water bodies.
Have the class start an annual bird / frog count for your community. Research historical patterns if available, and compare to current data. Track the changes and communicate them to the community.
Start a "Healthy Garden" community initiative – lawns and plantings absorb and hold water, have a cooling effect on our cities and promote healthful micro-organisms. Visit http://eartheasy.com/grow_lawn_care.html for more information. Develop botanical guides to local flora and fauna and share throughout your school.
Start a "Simplify Your Life" community initiative. Think about what you can do to get more enjoyment out of your day – spend time enjoying the outdoors with your friends or family, reduce your dependency on "things", read a book or enjoy a hot chocolate with your buddies after school.
Design a campaign to encourage a school-wide and community "Non-Toxic Home Cleaning Initiative." Make simple cleaning products or purchase eco-friendly products. (http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm)
Develop resource boxes, specific to local environment issues and share the boxes among all schools in the district. Include science experiments, fun activities and items of interest.
Create a school environmental library that includes field guides, resources, materials, science experiments, etc.
Create a "How-to Host a Sustainable Christmas" classroom website or pamphlet – include alternatives to wrapping paper (newspapers or reusable bags); homemade Christmas cards and gifts (services such as babysitting or one week of dish clean up); simpler or energy-efficient lighting…
