My dad once had a saying that he used every time I, as a kid, felt restless on a summer day. "Only boring people get bored." It's hard to tell whether or not it was meant to be a slight insult or a way to motivate me to find something worthwhile to do. But it was likely the latter.
These days, I hear my daughter uttering the same feelings. She's not in school just yet, nor in any real summer programs. With two working parents at home, it makes sense as to why she's a little bored. Unfortunately, she's also too young to truly understand my dad's famous quote, which he'd surely utter if he heard my daughter's laments in person.
Throughout the years, I've looked to nature when it comes to finding new and exciting hobbies. The birds, the wildlife, and the trees outside are all for our benefit. Looking outside to see all that activity in nature is a solid reminder of how big this world really is.
But it's also a great idea to take care of our neighborhoods. And for kids who are bored, pitching in and beautifying their community is a wonderful idea. Next time your child is bored, give them this list of environmentally friendly activities that will make a huge difference.
1. Pick Up Litter
These days, you might be quite sensitive about germs. But there's an easy way to pick up garbage and stay relatively clean. Just buy one of these grabbers, which are also great for picking up toys and other items inside. (You might want to buy two — they also help prevent your back from wearing out if there's a lot to clean.)
One of the good things about picking up garbage in the neighborhood is that it's a visible task. Not only will kids be able to physically see how much they've collected from the streets and sidewalks, but neighbors might see your cleanup and vow to treat the neighborhood with more respect.
2. Start a Garden
Starting a garden is beneficial for plenty of reasons. If you grow vegetables and herbs, you'll be creating your own food. Flowers add a pop of color to any neighborhood, and they also help create more oxygen — which is never a bad thing.
Gardens can also bring your neighborhood together. "Community gardens are a great way to build togetherness within a community," states Green Matters. "Working together to split responsibilities, upfront costs, and the fruits of your labor, can help you understand and appreciate your neighbors in ways you might not have thought possible."
3. Start Composting
If you get your child into composting now, they may learn better skills in regard to waste management in the future. Plus, composting can be a lot of fun, especially if your kids don't mind getting a little dirty.
Kids can start composting their own materials by getting a big bin together — trash cans can also work, as long as you don't confuse them with your weekly garbage. Dry leaves and twigs will make a good start, along with food waste items like vegetable scraps, egg shells, and old coffee grounds.
4. Feed the Birds and Squirrels
Right now, there are a few advisories out about the dangers of feeding songbirds. But this kind of ban is unusual — and when it's not a health concern for our feathered friends, feeding the birds is a great activity that encourages kids to experience nature up close.
Kids can work on creating their own birdfeeders or simply leave a pile of seeds out for the birds and squirrels to enjoy. You can also make your own birdseed at home, with peanuts, sunflower seeds, and white millet. See what species different mixes can attract.
5. Donate Books to the Local Library
Everyone knows that the library is an excellent place to read for free. You'd be supporting your community and keeping books out of landfills by donating. Ask your kids to find books around the house they are willing to donate. Your kids might be up for this task, especially if it'll clear up some space in their room for other activities. By donating books, you're sharing them with everyone. Someone up the street might end up finding their new favorite title based on the generous donation.
Are you far away from a library? You can also help reuse your books by creating a neighborhood lending library in front of your home. Your kids can have fun painting and decorating it, and other kids will have fun perusing through titles.
6. Make Crafts By Reusing Items
You don't necessarily need to stop at the craft store when it's time for arts and crafts. Challenge your kid to take an item that may have been labeled as "trash" and turn it into something fun. Used toilet paper and paper towel rolls can easily be the start of a castle. Big boxes from Amazon can turn into pet beds, for animals who aren't too destructive. If you have multiple children, you can even inspire them to search the neighborhood for things that can be turned into art.
7. Pull Weeds
Weeding is the ultimate "I'm bored" activity. It's also a great way for kids to get a little bit of sun. Why is weeding important? Weeds fight with nearby plants for water and nutrients. Your plants will love not having to fight so hard for resources.
Weeding also makes your garden shine and helps loosen the soil a little bit, making it easier for water to get through. If your kid is bored, weeding is the perfect activity.
8. Make an Insect Hotel
Did you know that insects can also live in fun homes like birds do? Insect hotels may not be as popular, but they are still fun to make. Insect hotels are hand-crafted inventions that will help certain bugs breed.
Different materials, like dry leaves and sticks, will attract different types of bugs. With the help of an adult, kids can also create attractive-looking bug hotels that'll help your backyard stand out.
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