Green Living: Green Your Kids

If you do an Internet search for the word “green,” you’ll get around 874 million hits. Almost every one is somehow related to the green movement. If you did the same thing 20 years ago you would have been looking at pages of links to every guy with a business and the last name Green. Actually you wouldn’t be looking at anything because Al Gore hadn’t invented the Internet yet. But you see where we’re going with this. The Green Movement has proven itself to be more than a passing fad, but to keep the momentum going, we have to make sure the next generation knows the deal.

Sammy & Sue

SAMMY AND SUE GO GREEN TOO!

This 16-title children’s book series, written by local author Suzanne Corso is a great way to teach kids about protecting the environment. Based on the real life adventures of the author and her daughter Samantha, the mother/daughter duo explore the planet to learn about health, nutrition, exercise, animals, other cultures and how to lead an eco-friendly life. See Sammy & Sue live at the Bridgehampton Library (22478 Main Street, Bridgehampton) on June 27.

GREEN ART

Have a little Picasso on your hands? The Art League of Long Island’s Summer Art Adventure series is an intensive art experience for kids ages 5-12. Weekly themes, including “Go Green, Recycled Art” are carefully designed around age-appropriate projects that include drawing, painting, crafts and sculpture. Visit the Art League of Long Island for more information.

(RE) GIFT BAGS

Graffiti Friendship Bag

Friendship Gift Bags are trendy, fun and a great way to teach kids about reuse and recycling. First, a friend writes or draws in one of the four blank squares on the back of the bag. Then the gift receiver and participating friends register the bag at SimplyReGiftIt, play games and track their journey. When the bag is re-gifted enough times for all four squares to be filled, the last friend returns the completed bag. Then, all friends have the option to purchase customized keepsake items based on the designs they have created on their gift bag.

EARTHKEEPERS CAMP

Earthkeepers is a summer camp for fourth and fifth graders, where they dig up a buried time capsule and earn four keys to help them live in harmony with the Earth. The keys open real locks on boxes containing secrets only Earthkeepers know. Earthkeepers past and present are invited back the following week for adventures like hill-climbing and canoe trips in local natural areas. Visit Starflower Experiences for more information. July 6-10.

GREEN TOYS

Green Toys Inc. makes an awesome line of classic children’s toys constructed from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. This helps reduce fossil fuel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving the overall health and happiness of the planet. Best of all these toys can be found right here at Hicks Nurseries, Locust Valley Chemists and plenty of other locations. Click here for a full list of locations.

Feed The Right Bin!

Children are taught how to read, write, add and subtract. But who educates them about the need to conserve?  Feed The Right Bin is a cartoon focusing on small actions children can take that will make a big difference. The animated short features four kids, Tasha, Zack, Liz and Sam who are coached by green energy guru Charlie. A new episode will be featured each month, highlighting various environmental problems in a way that is understandable for children.  Kids can send episode ideas to EcoKids@GreenAndSave.com. Winners will be showcased in an upcoming installment. All entries must be received by July 31. Visit Green And Save for more information.