Would you like to teach your kids about sustainability?
This weekend you can beat the back to school blues with fun and educational eco-friendly activities at Dublin Zoo.
SSE Airtricity's ‘Protect Our Planet’ weekend takes place at Dublin Zoo this Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 of August.
Families will get to embark on the Eco-Explorer trail, discover Dublin Zoo and enjoy interactive workshops with some very special guests.
Workshops
Special guest Don Conroy will host his infamous ‘Draw with Don’ segment. He'll be teaching those of all ages about the importance of protecting our environment.
A number of readings and drawing workshops will also be hosted by special guest, award-winning art director and author Aga Grandowicz. Aga will be helping younger readers understand environmental themes like sustainability and biodiversity.
Kids will also have the opportunity to take part in a mini worm excavation and learn how to make a ‘Bug Hotel’ on the lawn at Haughton house.
Eco-Explorer App
Those coming along can download the Eco Explorer app and discover everything there is to be explored in the zoo.
Follow the Eco Explorer trail and collect the Eco Explorer badges for a chance to win prizes.
SSE Airtricity’s Eco Chief Explorer Rob will also be there to help you find your way.
You can find out more information and download the app at ecoexplorers.ie.
In the meantime, if you're looking to bring some eco-friendly activities into your home, check out some of our ideas.
These are sure to entertain kids of all ages and they have the added benefit of being kind to the environment!
Make A Bird Feeder
Creating your own bird feeder is really simple.
You’ll just need to raid your recycling bin and reuse a clean, dry bottle or carton as the starting point. Your children can then watch and see how many different species come and visit your garden for a feed!
Here’s how to craft your own eco-friendly bird feeder in less than an hour -
You will need the following:
- A used water bottle / jar
- Some twine
- Bird seed
- Twigs / wooden spoon or pencil
- Glue
- Knife and scissors (Adults only!)
Method:
- Affix the twine around the bottle neck or around the top of the jar. Use some glue to make this extra secure!
- You will use this twine to hang the feeder in the garden later.
- Cut a hole in each side of the bottle and place the pencil / wooden spoon or twigs through. The birds will be able to perch here and feed.
- Fill the bottle or jar with seed
- Finally you’re ready to choose and a spot, ideally one the kids can see from the window!
Grow A Pizza Garden
Get creative with your kitchen window and give the kids their own mini indoor garden.
Help them to plant and grow the herbs you need to flavour a pizza! Basil, chives and oregano look great and smell wonderful.
The kids can watch them grow and then help you prepare a delicious pizza when their efforts pay off.
Set Up A Rain Water Collection Point
This a lovely way to teach kids about water conservation and help your garden flourish too.
Collecting rain water will help them to appreciate the rainy days of winter and why we should use water sparingly during the warmer months.
You can setup a sophisticated system with filteration through sand and stones or simply get a basin or large old water bottle and place it near a downpipe or open area in the garden.
Using a transparent container is ideal, allowing the kids to watch it fill. The water gathered can then be used for garden plants or to help their pizza garden grow!
Plant A Tree
Trees are so important in our environment. They provide a home for wildlife and filter pollutants and carbon dioxide out of our air.
Kids will love seeing their tree come to life, and just like them it will grow and grow!
They are a beautiful addition to a garden, and you can enjoy it's array of colours as it goes through the seasons.
Why not choose a tree that will grow delicious fruits? You can also make art out of fallen leaves in the autumn.
Make A Bee Hotel
Bees are an endangered species and they are super important for our eco-system.
Solitary bees don't live in a hive and need areas where they can shelter from the rain or call a temporary home.
You can make your own little bee hotel to keep in your garden, and best of all they're so easy to make!
All you need is:
- Empty bottle/mug
- Paper bags
- Ruler
- Pencil
- String or twine
- Scissors
- Utility knife
Check out the video below for a step by step guide.
These ideas are brought to you by SSE Airtricity, Ireland’s largest provider of 100% green energy.
