Earth Day, which falls on 22 April this year, is a worldwide movement that shines a spotlight on environmental awareness and the need to protect this blue dot that we call home.

While governments and organisations worldwide are working swiftly to curb emissions and move towards more sustainable ways, families at home can also do their part. Here are some ways (beyond reduce, reuse and recycle) that you and your children can mark the occasion.

1. Plant a tree at a local park

If you have a child under the age of three, you can commemorate his or her birth plus add some green to our garden city by participating in FamilyTrees. This is a joint collaboration between the National Parks Board and Families for Life, as part of Singapore’s OneMillionTrees movement. New dates are released periodically on this page. Also, read about this family’s experience here.

journey equates to significant carbon emissions whether they get here via air or sea. It is a concept that even the littlest can understand. Get them to appreciate the environmental benefits of purchasing locally produced items, from vegetables and fish to snacks and even clothing.

2. Make a pledge

Get every individual in the family to commit to one environmentally friendly change. While the adults may aim for bigger challenges like eliminating the use of single-use plastic or cutting down on taxi rides in favour of buses and trains, children can set simple goals like limiting their showers to five minutes or picking up three pieces of litter on their walk to school each day.

3. Gather a few families for a beach and park clean-up

Everyone can do their part to keep our spaces free from litter, which also prevents marine animals from getting ensnared in or swallowing hazardous items. There are CleanPods available at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, East Coast Park and Pasir Ris Park, with buckets, metal tongs, garden carts and weighing scales that can help facilitate cleaning. Participants do have to bring their own used plastic bags and gloves for the activity. If you wish to access the tools in the CleanPod, you’ll need to sign up at least 21 days in advance. Otherwise, simply head down with

4. Support local

Imported goods need to travel long distances to get to our shops—and the friendly change. While the adults may aim for bigger challenges like eliminating the use of single-use plastic or cutting down on taxi rides in favour of buses and trains, children can set simple goals like limiting their showers to five minutes or picking up three pieces of litter on their walk to school each day. your own tools and start cleaning up!

5. Adopt a new way of decluttering and shopping

It is easy for homes (with kids) to get cluttered with toys, books and clothes the little ones have outgrown. Before you trash some of these items, save those in good condition for donation. Beloved but broken toys may not need to be replaced either if they can be fixed—find a list of providers offering repair services here. Last but not least, you can shop for clothes at thrift stores with the whole family or check out apps like Olio or Carousell for preloved household items you can take over.