This story originally appeared on The Local Moms Network and our wonderful list of Earth Day books comes from Library Mom.
Earth Day is HERE and we are ready! What a great reminder to show our appreciation for our beautiful planet. We’ve rounded up some Earth Day resources for you! Enjoy these 9 Earth Day books you can read with your little one, as well as some options to properly recycle commonly used items in your home. Whatever your inspiration – spring cleaning, Earth Day, an upcoming move, or the inability to look at the mess any longer – getting rid of your extra stuff can feel freeing️!
The below companies and organizations offer stress-free ways to recycle old, unused, and unwanted items. Some give rewards and some do good by helping those in need. And you can rest easy knowing you aren’t adding to the overwhelming landfills. Start today by checking out the resources below for safely disposing belongings — and enjoy your new, clutter-free home.
Why recycle?
Old batteries and electronics contain chemicals that can contaminate soil and the water supply. CALPIRG, a public interest research group, says up to 85% of textiles end up in landfills or are burned, releasing toxins into the air. And Americans produce five pounds of trash per day, per person, says the Environmental Protection Agency!
Apple Computers
Just like linking Apple devices is easy, so is sending them back to where they came from. Bring in an old phone or laptop and get credit for a new item. But if you’re not ready to buy or the device is too old or damaged to trade in, send your items in for recycling using a pre-paid label.
Car Seats
There’s still time to head to Target for their annual Car Seat event. They will accept your used, damaged, or expired car seat during April 16-29 at their in-store trade-in. Bring in an old seat and receive a 20% off coupon for a new one, a stroller or baby gear.
Clothing and Textiles
If selling old clothes on thredUp or Poshmark isn’t your thing, you can buy a bag through the Retold Recycling program. They ship you a bag (made of cornstarch) and find a place for your old textiles, including items that are so worn they have holes or even your wedding dress. Retold has a strict no landfill policy, so clothing will be sent to thrift stores or recycling companies.
Electronics – and more!
Staples will actually pay you rewards money for bringing in old supplies like batteries, computers, digital cameras, ink & toner, writing tools (finally, a place to take the plastic markers!), or even paper shredded in the store. (Check their site for more details – it’s a long list!)
Legos
Donating loved, but unused Legos couldn’t be easier with the Lego replay program. Simply throw individual blocks into a cardboard box and print a UPS label and your Legos will be cleaned and donated to a child in need along with a booklet of exciting building ideas.
Sneakers
Bring old sneakers and workout wear (think leggings and t-shirts) to Nike stores where they will give your athletic gear a new life.
…And All the Rest
For stuff that’s difficult to recycle in the local town recycling program, turn to TerraCycle. TerraCycle has free recycling programs for items, such as razors and toothpaste containers. They send a free bag with a prepaid label and you fill it with old, used up items.
For larger products, if you’re moving, or if you choose to organize a recycling event at your child’s school for example, pay for a large cardboard box for items. Now there’s an answer to “what do I do with this?”
Think Before You Buy
If you’re interested in cutting down on your waste before you bring stuff home, Grove Collective is a subscription or one-time delivery service for cleaning, beauty and home products. Their mission is to be plastic-free by 2025. Grove sells refillable glass containers for hand soap, dishwashing soap and concentrated formulas for cleaning products.
They will send you a free, prepaid label and pack to return things like plastic pouches that hold hand soap refills and silicone items.
Wondering what to do with old toys? Read their comprehensive article here.
To help honor Earth Day, Rosemary D’Urso, aka Library Mom, chose 9 fantastic books perfect for the occasion. Says Rosemary: “From its sparkling waters to its majestic mountains and curious creatures, there is much to love about this beautiful planet we call home. With Earth Day around the corner, I’ve put together a list of my favorite books that capture the splendor of Earth as well as stories that inspire children to help protect it.” Read her list below.
Our Planet: There’s No Place Like Earth by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by David Litchfield
Told from the point of view of a personified Earth, this humorous and informative book packed with kid appeal is an ideal read aloud for teaching children about Earth, problems with pollution, and cleaner energy options. This entire series is a must-read.
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom; illustrated by Michaela Goade
This spectacular own-voices story narrated by a young indigenous girl speaks out against water pollution in her land. The stirring text is enriched by the breathtaking artwork that skillfully weaves in complimentary colors and patterns creating robust illustrations that jump off the page.
A Planet Like Ours by Frank Murphy and Charnaie Gordon, illustrated by Kayla Harren
This excellent overview of Earth’s many amazing attributes such as its soil, water, air, animals, and people inspire readers to learn more about our planet and actively work to protect it.
Dear Earth….From Your Friends in Room 5 by Erin Dealey; illustrated by Luisa Uribe
This epistolary gem follows a diverse group of students who write letters back and forth with the planet Earth. Each note is simply delightful and contains practical and doable tips for making the Earth a better place.
Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre
Stunning photographs showcase a myriad of Earthly elements accompanied by a simple, but rousing poem that causes readers to stop and consider all that we have to be grateful for by living on our beautiful planet. An admirable author’s note encourages readers to turn their gratitude into action by taking care of Earth.
Change Starts with Us by Sophie Beer
From planting trees to recycling and turning off water faucets, this toddler-friendly board book teaches children to celebrate small acts of green living.
My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan
Written by Patricia MacLachlan, the award-winning author of Sarah Plain and Tall, this ode to our planet is constructed in an interactive format full of cut-outs, flaps, vibrant colors and enticing textures.
What A Waste: Rubbish, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French
Did you know that every single plastic toothbrush ever made still exists? For children ages 4-9, What a Waste delivers shocking facts about the environment, along with ways children can make a positive impact.
Biscuit’s Earth Day Celebration: A Springtime Book For Kids by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
We love a good Biscuit adventure, and this one is no different. Join Biscuit and his owner as they “help all creature big and small” by learning to plant seeds and clean up.