Back of the book blurb: It’s easy being green! Kids have enormous potential to affect change, and this enlightening book harnesses children’s natural energy, enthusiasm, optimism, and drive to make a difference in the world. Young eco-activists will feel empowered as they begin doing simple things such as cutting down on water use, starting a compost bin, and creating litter-free lunches.
She is Too Fond of Books’ review: 101 Ways You Can Help Save the Planet Before You’re 12! has been a big hit in my family, even for those of us who are a bit significantly over 12.
The book opens with very helpful basics that are a great reference as you read thru the rest of the book: Idea #1 is a quiz to determine your eco-type. For example, a Dedicated Do-It-Yourselfer enjoys bringing new life to old things be reusing them in creative ways; a Science Fair Star is naturally inquisitive and interested in inventions and trial-and-error exploration of how scientific innovation can help the planet.
From here we move to Idea #2, a fantastic 4-page glossary of words and terms that may be found throughout this book as well as in newspaper and magazine articles about the environment. This has vocabulary covered from “biodegradable” to “xeriscaping” and everything in between.
Taking Ideas #1 and #2, venture forth to explore the rest of the book. Every page has full-color photographs of the ideas in action. It was good to know that we’re not total slackers – we’re already incorporating several of the ideas (litterless lunch, melting down crayon bits into colorful “crayon cupcakes”, bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, and keeping a backyard compost bin).
There is a lot more we could be doing, however, and 101 Ways has given us fun and impactful ideas to try. Our short list includes cutting down on the “energy vampires” in our house, being aware of “greenwashing” in packaging and commercials, walking/biking to school once a week this spring (the kids are on a bus route), and building a bat house.
Today we emptied the compost bin that has been “gestating” for almost two years. We put our kitchen scraps and coffee grounds (and, believe it or not, dryer lint!) in it, along with brown leaves when they fall. I bought a pitchfork (!) and it’s turned regularly. Before we started a third season of filling it, we opened up the hatch at the bottom, and pulled out three wagonfuls of beautiful compost for the garden. This isn’t an “instant gratification” project, but it was very satisfying to see the results of our efforts!
I encourage you to not only pick up a copy of 101 Ways to Save the Planet Before You’re 12! for the child(ren) in your life, but to take the time to choose and execute a few of the projects together.
Joanne O’Sullivan has also authored 101 Things You Gotta Do Before You’re 12! and 101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12!
I hope you will be posting a picture of you and your husband posed with the pitchfork!
I second Rhapsody! Just like that famous picture! What a great bunch of lessons to teach your children!
Rhapsody and Sandy – LOL! I’ll see if I can convince J to strike an “American Gothic” pose!
This sounds like a great book. I wish more programs would encourage re-using along with recycling.
Sounds like a super book for everyone. I loved the photos. We are so lazy about turning over our compost bin.
Kathy – I’m a big reuser, especially all those bags we get shopping and gift bags. Our kids are clever and like to “repurpose” things in new ways.
Beth – we didn’t yield a lot of compost, but it was very rewarding to see how rich it was!
I’ve had this on my list for a while. I think it would be good for our family and especially my daughter. I may have to check out the other two titles, too.
Awesome what a great reward!
That composter is COOL! I want one.
Carol – yes, I’m curious about the other two books! We have a 13 yr old and 3 others under 12
Toni – when we discovered last summer that there were earthworms in the compost bin we thought we had hit the jackpot!
Care – our public works dept. subsidized them for residents. I think you can mail order for about $50, but the town picked up half of that. You can find plans online for how to make one from wooden pallets, or an old plastic trash barrel, or even cinder blocks …
I’d love to see a pitchfork picture, too. This sounds like a great book, and I bet The Girl would especially enjoy it.
Getting kids started when they are young is the best way to teach them. It gets harder and harder to show them life skills, such as green living, as they get older. Teach them now and they will take it with them into adulthood. It’s so easy to live green.
Anna – There are lots of great ideas in the book, LM12 has done several projects and has a list of ideas he’d like to try.
QGG – thanks for stopping by! I agree, habits developed early tend to stick (but, it’s never too late!)
Hi Dawn-
Thanks so much for your kind words about my books! I now have a blog for parents where I explore ideas from my kids’ books.
Stop by at http://thewanderlists.com.
Thanks!
Joanne