Today is Earth Day and people are making conscious efforts today to reduce their carbon footprint on the Earth.  What are you planning on doing today, this weekend, or from now on to make an ecological impact?  Here are 4 Fun and Easy Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with your family.

1. Go See Born in China
Narrated by John Krasinski, Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure film Born in China takes audiences on an epic and exciting journey into the wilds of China where few people have ever ventured. Following the stories of three animal families; a doting panda bear mother guides her growing baby as she begins to explore and seek independence, a 2-year-old golden snub-nosed monkey who feels displaced by his new baby sister joins up with a group of free-spirited outcasts, and a mother snow leopard—an elusive animal rarely seen by human eyes—faces the very real drama of raising her two cubs in one of the harshest and most unforgiving environments on Earth.

Moviegoers who see Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure film Born in China during its opening week, April 21-27, will benefit the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Based on opening-week attendance, Disneynature, via the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will make a contribution to the WWF to help protect wild pandas and snow leopards in China.

2.  Spring Cleaning

Okay Spring cleaning may not sound “fun” to everyone, but if you’re making your own cleaning products with non-toxic, household supplies, the kids may be more interested.  With items like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, olive oil and soap you can be home scientists with the kids and keep your home clean the eco-friendly way!  Plus all kids love things in spray bottles!

Some cleaning-day recipes:

• Equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle is your best all-purpose cleaner.
• Mix 2 parts olive oil to 1 part lemon juice for an all-natural furniture polish.
• Water and 1/4 cup lemon juice in a spray bottle works on windows and mirrors.
• Mix a small amount of baking soda with liquid castile soap to get your countertops, sinks and tubs shiny.
• For a fresh scent, try adding a few drops of rosemary, orange or lavender essential oils.
• To brighten whites in the wash, add a small amount of lemon juice to your machine’s rinse cycle.

3. Make a Recycled Craft Literally for the Birds!

With finished milk or juice cartons, you can make a fun, recycled, outdoor craft.  All you need is yarn, scissors, a wooden dowel (an old wooden spoon or sturdy branch would work too), and some birdseed.  Cut the corners out of the carton about two inches from the bottom.  About one inch from the bottom punch a hole on opposite sides of the carton to line up the dowels. Punch a hole in the top of the carton to thread yarn and fill with seed.

4.  Support Brands that are Eco-Friendly

Our number one brand to support is Dawn.  For over 30 years, Dawn dish soap has been an important part of rescuing and releasing more than 75,000 wild animals affected by oil pollution. They have donated thousands of bottles to wildlife rescue workers at The Marine Mammal Center and International Bird Rescue. Other big names are going green(er) to keep up with constant efforts of companies like Patagonia and The Body Shop.  Here’s some info on a few of our favorites we shop regularly:

Target  Target has begun phasing out its use of hydroflourocarbons, commonly used as coolants.  Opening cold-storage facilities that use ammonia and using carbon dioxide refrigeration systems in some of its stores is their new way.

Dell  Dell has begun using packing materials derived from plants and can be composted like wheat straw, bamboo, and mushrooms.

IKEA  The Swedish furniture manufacturer recently purchased a wind farm in Illinois to help reach its goal of becoming a net-zero energy user. They are also installing solar panels on some stores’ roofs, as well as selling solar kits.

Nike  The brand recently started to manufacture apparel using recycled polyester, and its Flyknit shoes create less waste during the manufacturing process than other shoes.

Each year we celebrated on 4/22, but take steps to introduce eco-friendly ideas and practices all year for the future of our earth.

This post is sponsored by my partnership with the Dawn Wildlife Ambassadorship.  All opinions my own.