Did you know that Chicagoans as a whole recycle less than 10% of our waste? We can all work to do better! That’s why we’re focusing on recycling as we close out Earth Week.
In honor of Earth Day 50, we ask you to join us, all week long, as we share ideas of how we can all heal our relationships with the natural world.
And for those who are able, we ask that you help us achieve this mission by making a donation to the Nature Museum, $50 for 50 years, so we can continue to carry a renewed message of Earth Day forward.
Check out a Chicago recycling center!
Our friends at Block Club Chicago took a tour at a recycling center in the city. Click here to watch the video and see what goes on behind the scenes!
Guiding Question: What surprised you about the recycling center? What can you recycle? What shouldn’t you try to recycle? Why not?
Let’s practice sorting!
Do you know what you can and cannot recycle? Put your knowledge to the test with our sorting activity. Click here to download and print our guide and sorting cards. Try sorting them into three groups: recycle, trash, and dispose another way. See if you can get them all correct!
P.S. Conduct your own waste audit to see how well your family does recycling and disposing of waste correctly. Click here to check it out.
Make a recycled journal!
Make your own upcycled journal! Reuse materials that might otherwise get thrown away to create your very own nature journal. Click here for full directions.
Teaching Tip: Make your journal your “nature notebook” and record all the cool things you’re observing. Be sure to look closely to draw what you see–include details and use labels. Drawing is a great way to solidify understanding! Click for more.
Story Time!
Let’s explore with the Cat in the Hat! Elena is closing out Earth Week by reading one of our favorite books, “Miles and Miles of Reptiles.” Click here to check it out.
Guiding Question: Which reptiles did you know? Which ones were new to you? Which were your favorites? Why? What can you tell me about them?
Let’s make some green cleaners!
Making your own cleaning products for the kitchen is both economical and good for your health. When you’re using baking soda, vinegar, and water, you can feel pretty confident that the cleaning you’re doing isn’t hurting you or the environment. Click here to download some awesome recipes for cleansers for your kitchen and bathroom.
Where will you go?
What natural area will you visit when we’re done with stay-at-home?
Mike said, “North Pond and Lincoln Park, Welles Park, and West Ridge Nature Preserve, then rescheduling the trips to Borneo, Oregon, and Hawaii.”
Behind the scenes!
Even though the Nature Museum is closed right now, we’re honored to have over 270 volunteers as part of our team. They work with the public, behind the scenes, and everywhere in between. They help care for our collections, engage visitors, and so much more! We miss them all, and hope everyone is staying safe and healthy at home!
