Earth: It's Good for You

Ten tips for restoring family health and harmony, naturally 

1. Protect Mother Earth with smart food choices.

Teach children to read ingredient labels so they won't be tricked.

2. Choose certified organic foods.

The USDA organic label is our best guarantee for protecting our family's health by avoiding genetically modified ingredients and harmful synthetic pesticides and additives.

3. Unplug and play outdoors.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least one hour of outdoor play each day, and no more than two hours of total daily screen time – including computer, TV, movies and video games.

4. Go on nature treasure hunts.

Explore creek beds, discover new hiking trails, or notice the magic in your own backyard. See who can find the most interesting leaves, rocks, and bugs. Take photographs for a scrapbook.

5. Teach others about "nature-deficit disorder."

Suggest Richard Louv's "Last Child in the Woods" to your book club, PTA, or church group.

6. Find ways to celebrate nature's beauty and bounty.

Host a backyard potluck to commemorate a blooming wisteria or a bumper crop of rhubarb.

7. Host seasonal cooking competitions.

Who can make the tastiest strawberry shortcake? (Hint: organic whipped cream is essential!)

8. Nurture budding artists.

Turn off the TV and turn on Picasso. Give your children paper, watercolors, colored pencils or makers and encourage them paint or write poetry about the beauty they see in nature.

9. Go on a picnic.

Even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches taste like a gourmet meal when eaten outdoors on a blanket spread in nature's splendor.

10. Consume less stuff and invest in your relationships instead.

Read books, sing, play music, cook, garden, or volunteer in your community together.