I wanted to tell you about a very important day that’s coming up soon – September 21st, to be exact. That’s Coastal Cleanup Day (one of my favourite days of the year)! On Coastal Cleanup Day, we have one goal: Work together to beautify our beaches and keep litter out of the water!

Cool coastlines

Coastlines (also called shorelines) are some pretty special places, environmentally speaking. Coastlines are places where the land meets a body of water, like a lake or an ocean. Lots of animals and plants call shorelines home. In fact, Canada has the longest coastline in the ENTIRE world! (We’re talking 243,042 km in total!)

We need to keep our shores clean for some very important reasons. First, animals can mistake litter for food. An animal that eats garbage will become very sick. Second, animals can become tangled in garbage and get injured. Finally, creatures and plants can hitch a ride on litter and the wind or water can take them to new habitats – places they’re not supposed to be.

Lend a hand!

So, how can a clever Earth Ranger like you help? The first thing you need for a coastal cleanup is…a coast! You can visit a local pond, lake, river, stream or ocean – those all count! You’re going to bring along an adult and some friends or family members to be part of your cleanup crew. To stay safe, wear gloves and leave any sharp items to the grownups. And if you happen to see me out there on the shore, don’t forget to wave!

Want some more info? Just go to the Earth Rangers app and accept the Shoreline Saver Mission. There, you’ll find our handy How to Save a Shoreline guide, full of helpful tips about how to do your own coastal cleanup.

Join other Earth Rangers on September 21st for Coastal Cleanup Day and do what you can to make the world a more beautiful place!

The post Cleaning up the coastline! first appeared on Earth Rangers.

But wait, Earth Rangers, don’t turn on that air conditioner! Most air conditioners use a huge amount of electricity, contributing to pollution and carbon emissions. Why not try some eco-friendly ways to keep cool? It Here are some cool ways to fight the heat:

Close your windows, curtains and blinds

Having your windows open in summer when it’s hot outside can really heat up your home. If it’s hotter outside then inside, make sure to close your windows, curtains, and blinds in the morning. Once the sun has set and temperatures are starting to go down, open everything up again and let the cool night air come charging in!

Use fans correctly

Fans help circulate air around a room. This can make the space feel cooler through “wind chill”, even though it doesn’t actually lower the room’s temperature. In fact, the motor of the fan is more likely to create heat.

Using fans correctly is important to enjoy a nice cool home. Place the fan in the coolest spot of your home and use it to push that cool air into other areas. Putting your fan in front of the open windows in the evening is perfect for blowing in cooler air (or pushing the hot air out). You can also place a large bowl of ice in front of the fan to create a cold airflow.

TIP: Do not leave a fan unattended. If you’re going to leave the room it is in, it is better to turn it off.

Enjoy cold drinks and snacks

Staying hydrated is super important during hot weather. Cold water will help cool your body off, but why stop there? You can enjoy some cold snacks as well. Chilled watermelon, frozen grapes, refreshing cucumber slices, or even homemade popsicles with water and frozen fruit! The perfect cold combo!

Say NO to using the oven, and try cool food!

Using the oven will heat your home up from the inside, making it even harder to cool off. If you need to use the oven, do it in the evening when you can open windows to let the hot air out and cool air in. But, why not try cool meals instead? Recipes like our Meatless Lettuce Wraps don’t use the oven, and are quite fun to make!

Cool your hands, face and feet

Your head, hands and feet are key parts of your body’s own cooling system. Try not to let them get hot by avoiding wearing socks or a hat inside. If you do feel too hot, cool your head with a cold cloth or icepack. Soak your feet in a bucket of cold water. Take a cold bath or shower (brrrr!).

You can also have fun cooling down outside by going for a swim, getting wet with Reusable Water Balloons, or playing a game of Spongy Keepy-Uppy and Hungry Snake and Hoppy Frogs.

Which is these ideas do you think you’ll use to keep cool? One, two, or all of them?!
Let us know in the comments!

Check out our other Reset the ‘stat blogs:

Did you know that turning up your thermostat in the summer and down in the winter can actually help slow down climate change? Learn more in the Re-set the ‘stat Mission in the Missions section of the Earth Rangers App!

The post Top 5 Coolest Ways to Keep Cool first appeared on Earth Rangers.

Oops! Almost got you there. I didn’t mean to dive so close to an Earth Ranger’s head. I’m Comet, and I was flying on the wind for that dive!

You humans use the wind in some cool ways, like getting energy from wind turbines. These are the giant fans, as tall as a 20-story building, that you see in windy areas like on hills, along shores, or across a prairie field. When wind turbine blades spin, they generate electricity that can power entire cities.

The best part? These turbines don’t need fuel to operate! Wind energy is renewable, and doesn’t create any pollution. As long as there is wind, you’ll always have electricity to go around. 

One small problem…

Some people are against wind energy because they think turbines hurt birds like me.

And it’s true – sadly, birds do sometimes fly right into wind turbines. But the fact is, climate change is the absolute biggest threat to birds worldwide, and wind energy helps to fight climate change!

Where does that leave us? Needing more responsibly placed turbines!

Putting wind turbines where birds migrate can cause problems. We can fix this by placing the turbines in spots with strong winds that won’t harm birds or their habitats. Spread the word about keeping birds safe and ask turbine developers to speak with animal experts to find the best spots for the blades. We can always find solutions… especially when we work together!

I’m blown away by the awesomeness of the power of wind! Are you a big fan of wind energy and wind turbines? Did you know you can totally make your own? Earth Rangers has a mission that teaches you all about how to put your own wind turbine together, using just a few common items. What are you waiting for?

There’s a lot more to learn about renewable energy. You can expand your knowledge by checking out the We’ve Got the Power Mission in the Earth Rangers App.

The post Comet’s Turbine Tale first appeared on Earth Rangers.

Ahoy Earth Rangers! Bow the Rainbow Trout here to take you to one of my favorite lakes: Lake Huron.
What brings me to Lake Huron, you ask? Well I’m here to check out the beautiful shores of Manitoulin Island. It’s my dream vacation!

Manitoulin Island is super special. With an area of 2,766 km², it’s the biggest freshwater island in the whole world. Manitoulin Island even has its own lakes—108 of them, to be exact! The island’s land and waterways are home to a ton of flora and fauna that rely on clean water to survive. Animals like frogs, river otters, beavers, bobcats, bears, and deer all call Manitoulin Island home.

This picturesque place isn’t without its problems. For example, an increasing amount of plastic trash—especially along the island’s shorelines—is threatening the island’s ecosystems. It’s sad that lake and ocean shorelines continue to be covered in trash and pollution. Is there not something we can do?

Shoreline Savers to the rescue!

We need you! Join us and work to stop shoreline pollution! Manitoulin Island and its many lakes are not the only places threatened by it – shorelines and waterways worldwide need our help. And we have the power: by keeping our shores clean, we can reduce the amount of plastic makes its way through the Earth’s waters, harming marine life.

Bow’s tips for the future

You can help fight the plastic problem in different ways! Here are a few ideas to share:

1) Use less plastic! Single-use plastics, like straws and plastic bags, are a big problem. If we stop using them as much, we’ll have less of it in our waters and on our shores. So, let’s try to use less plastic stuff in our daily lives!

2) Go on a shoreline cleanup. Whether you’re alone, with your family or friends, or part of a big cleanup group, picking up trash helps a lot. Imagine if everyone picked up just a few pieces of trash each time they went out!

3) Research! To make a difference, we should learn more about the problem. We need to understand why it’s happening and then find ways to fix it. You can read articles and books, listen to podcasts, or watch documentaries about the issue. The more we know, better we can solve the problem.

4) Spread the word. Tell others about the plastic pollution crisis by talking to friends, family members and strangers alike. You could donate to a charity that cleans up shorelines, volunteer with them, or tell others about their work. Every little bit helps to make a difference!

World Ocean Day

I’ve heard whispers that Earth Rangers like you celebrate World Ocean Day. It’s a great time to celebrate and raise awareness for the importance of oceans and water in our lives!

You can be a part of it by completing the Shoreline Saver Mission and heading out to clean your nearby shorelines! You’ll make a big difference for the wildlife like me.

Give it a try. Start by accepting the Shoreline Saver Mission in the Earth Rangers App. You’ll get tons of helpful information, tips for starting your cleanup, and more!

The post Bow’s Shoreline Story first appeared on Earth Rangers.

Our climate is changing at a much faster rate than it has in the past and that’s a big problem.

When greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are released into the air, they act like a blanket and trap heat near the Earth’s surface, making it warmer. The Earth can re-absorb and release some of these gases, but we are making too much and the planet can’t keep up. More gas trapped in the air means more warming, and that’s bad news for all living things on our planet.

Cut back on carbon (dioxide)

You’ve probably already heard that you can help fight climate change by driving less and saving electricity. Did you know that you can also help by making better choices when you shop? It’s all part of shrinking your carbon footprint.

Carbon Footprint:

A good way to help slow down climate change is to shrink your carbon footprint. The amount of carbon dioxide (and other greenhouse gases) you create through the products you use and the actions you take. The larger your carbon footprint, the bigger your impact on the planet.

How can you reduce your carbon footprint?

Leave the car at home –  If you can, make trips by foot, bicycle, or public transit. Every small effort can help make a difference.

Cut down on waste – Pollution can really add to your carbon footprint. When we recycle, we use less new stuff, this is good for the planet!

Eat local – Feeling hungry? Not to worry! We know that A LOT of emissions are released when products have to travel long distances. So, let’s look for farmer’s markets and shops that sell things that are grown or made close to home.

Accept the Carbon Footprint Investigation Mission

In this Mission, we give you the tools to investigate the products you have at home to see how they are adding to your carbon footprint. We’ll also share tips that will help you keep your footprint small. So put on your detective hat and let’s get started.

• Investigate products in your home and complete the quiz to find out how carbon footprint-friendly you are
• Use the Smart Shopping List and Tips during your next trip to the store
• See if you’ve become a smarter shopper by retaking the quiz
• Let us know how it went when you’re finished!

Are you ready to join our Carbon Footprint Investigation team?

The post Time to start your Carbon Footprint Investigation! first appeared on Earth Rangers.

When we throw things away, we’re not only creating more trash going to the landfill – we’re wasting all of the precious resources and energy that it took to make them. But what if, instead of buying things, using them, and then throwing them in the trash… we looked at new ways of making, using, and reusing them? This system is called the circular economy, and it’s a way to turn things around in our homes and planet!

You can fix things instead of trashing them.

Join the “I CAN FIX IT!” Mission to find out how!

This brand-new Mission will show you how the Reduce-Repair-Reuse-Recycle system of the circular economy works, and how we can take care of the Earth by using things wisely. Instead of throwing stuff away, we’ll fix them. By doing this, we can help protect the Earth’s resources and avoid waste.

To complete this Mission, you must…

• Learn about the circular economy and how it benefits our planet.
• Find something you no longer use because it’s damaged or broken.
• Use your instructions (and a grownup’s help) to repair your item.
• Open the Mission in the app. When you’re done, let us know how you did – and don’t forget to share a photo of you doing your Mission!

A Trashy Truth

We have something called a “linear economy”. That means we use up resources to make things, and then we throw them away. People buy new cellphones almost every year, but what about the old ones? Sadly, many of them end up being thrown away, and that’s not good for the environment.

But there’s a way to do things that’s much better for our planet! It’s called the circular economy, and it’s really cool! It’s about four special words: Reduce, Repair, Reuse, and Recycle. In this system, everything is important, and we try not to waste anything, just like how nature works!”

How Can I Fix It?

The “I Can Fix it” Mission is all about the circular economy, and teaches you different ways to repair all sorts of things, from toys to books to ceramics!

Spotlighting Ontario

If you live in Ontario, and especially in the York region, you can take part in this mission, AND join others to fix things! You’ll love the very special version of this Mission that tells you about local Repair Cafés, Libraries, Lenderies, Recycling Depots, and more! Just accept the I Can Fix It Mission in the Earth Rangers App.

No matter where you live, there are lots of ways to be part of the circular economy, both at home and in your community! We can’t wait to see what you do!

Generously supported by

The post I can fix it! first appeared on Earth Rangers.

Stop! Before you crank the thermostat, you should know that heating uses a ton of electricity. We’re here to tell you that there are way more fun (and colourful!) ways to keep the cold away, and they’re also good for the planet.

Today is National Sweater Day! A day that’s all about learning how to use less heat in winter, to save more energy, and to help reduce your household’s carbon footprint. And it’s super–duper easy: just turn down your thermostat and pull a cozy sweater on! That’s all it takes to celebrate this underrated holiday AND save the planet.

What? Don’t have any sweet or colourful sweaters to wear? Don’t worry! Perhaps these ideas can inspire you!

Check out this list of our favorite COLOURFUL ways to stay warm!

Bright Scarves

You can wear scarves any time of the year! They are worn in many different ways, such as around your head or neck. They are a great way to stay warm when going out, but why not at home?

Colourful Socks

Socks aren’t just worn to keep dirt off your feet or make your shoes comfy – they’re super important for blood flow to our feet! This helps not just your feet, but your whole body stay warm. Plus, there’s all kinds of fun colourful socks. Why not wear some with your favourite animal on them?

Stylin’ Hats

Hats are a great fashion accessory. They can make you look fancy, serious, silly, and so much more! They’re also great at keeping your head and ears warm. Winter is a time when your head is most at risk of getting cold. Not wearing a hat outside may pose a safety concern, but why not wear it inside too? You can be fashionable AND keep your thermostat down.

Vibrant Sweaters

Sweaters are soft, snuggly, and super colourful, which is why we celebrate National Sweater Day! Sweaters are much better than regular shirts at trapping our body temperature. There’s no limit to the number of layers you can add. Why not combine two sweaters by wearing one on top? You’ll feel toasty, like a marshmallow!

Snuggly Blankets

Let’s not forget blankets! Not only do you use one to sleep every night, but getting all snuggled up under a blanket can make both people and animals feel comfortable and safe. Aren’t they very relaxing? They’re also a great cold-buster! Like everything else, they trap your body heat and keep the cold away. Better still – you can wrap your whole body in a blanket and pretend you’re a worm, snake, or other slithering creature (just don’t scare your parents)!

Which is these ideas inspired you the most? Have you tried turning down the thermostat and using these before? Are you planning on celebrating National Sweater Day? Let us know in the comments!

Check out our other Reset the ‘stat blogs:

Did you know that turning down your thermostat in the winter can actually help slow down climate change? Learn more in the Re-set the ‘stat Mission in the Missions section in the Earth Rangers App!

The post Top 5 colourful ways to stay warm! first appeared on Earth Rangers.

Clean energy is going to be super important for saving our planet. We’re going to talk about three types today: Hydropower, wind energy, and solar energy.

How do they work? Is one better than the rest? Which would win the Ultimate Green Energy Showdown???

Hydropower

Hydropower has been around for ages! In ancient times, it helped people with things like milling wheat. Now, it’s a major source of electricity. We harness hydropower from rivers and oceans using turbines or water wheels. When these spin, they generate electricity. How awesome is that?

We’ve got the power: Want to see hydropower in action? Try building your own water wheel! All you need is a paper plate, cups, a skewer or straw, and tape or glue!

Wind Energy

Wind is fantastic! It moves boats, spins windmills, gives us a nice breeze, and can even make electricity. Wind turbines can be put in windy places like hills, open plains, or near water. When the propellers spin, they create electricity. How wind-erful is that?

We’ve got the power: You can totally make your own wind turbine! It only takes a few items to put one together, so what’s stopping you?

Solar Energy

Solar energy has been around… forever! After all, the sun is older than the Earth. Using it for electricity is a newer idea. In the past, people used glass or mirrors to capture the sun’s rays and make fires. Now, we use solar panels with photovoltaic cells. These cells generate electricity when they get hit by light, through a process called the “photovoltaic effect.”

We’ve got the power: You can capture your own solar power! Why not build a solar oven? We’ve got a cool Solar S’mores recipe you can bake inside it!

Which of these green energies do you think is the best? Have you tried any of the experiments? Let us know in the comments!

There’s a lot more to learn about renewable energy! You can expand your knowledge by checking out the We’ve Got the Power Mission on the Earth Rangers app to learn more about the many kinds of clean and green energy. Accept the “We’ve got the power” mission to find out how you can make your very own wind turbine or water wheel.

The post Ultimate Green Energy Showdown first appeared on Earth Rangers.

Hello there, young Earth Ranger! Want to know what I am doing in here with snow on my head?

I am going to let you in on a little secret. People aren’t the only ones enjoying the benefits of renewable energy. Animals do too!

Japanese macaque monkeys like me live in mountainous regions, where there’s always a lot of snow. In fact, we’re sometimes called snow monkeys. But we have a clever way to keep warm: taking a bath in a hot spring.

The key to these heavenly hot tubs is geothermal energy. That’s the heat that comes from within the Earth, such as steam from lava flows or magma in the Earth’s core. That heat can be captured as energy, which humans can then use to heat homes or generate electricity. And best of all, it’s a renewable resource that doesn’t pollute the environment!

There’s a lot more to learn about renewable energy. You can expand your knowledge by checking out the We’ve Got the Power Mission on the Earth Rangers app to learn all about geothermal power (along with other types of green energy)!

The post The Soothing Geothermal Baths first appeared on Earth Rangers.

We’re going to pit the four seasons against each other: winter vs. spring vs. summer vs. fall! Which one is the best for our gardens – and all the creatures that live in them?

Spring

When spring has sprung, it’s a great time to get your garden prepared for planting. You’ll want to clean up any debris and add some topsoil. As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to plant those seedlings you grew indoors! Some plants don’t mind cool soil and can be planted earlier in the season – think potatoes, carrots, peas, lettuce, and spinach.

Be a Backyard Biologist: Springtime is when you’re going to see more birds in your yard. Try keeping track of all of the birds that you spot! Use a field guide to identify any species you don’t know.

Summer

In summer, it’s prime gardening time!  The sunshine, warm weather, and rain are perfect for your plants to thrive and grow. You’ll be able to start harvesting your crops, like berries, tomatoes, and cucumbers. This is also the best time to visit farmers’ markets and enjoy all the yummy local produce.

Be a Backyard Biologist: Summer is when you’ll see lots of living things in your yard. We’re talking about plants, amphibians, birds, fungi, mammals, reptiles, insects… How many different groups of living things can you spot? Can you find them all?

Fall

Fall will arrive with its beautiful colors. When the leaves fall into your garden, you might be tempted to remove them – but leave those leaves for now! They provide nutrients for your soil AND they make a great overwintering habitat for lots of helpful insects: ladybugs, sow bugs, and caterpillars, to name a few! You’ll still have lots of tasty foods to harvest – think pumpkins, turnips, zucchini, and, apples!

Be a Backyard Biologist: If you want to see beautiful blooms in spring, fall is the perfect time to plant bulbs! You can plant tulips, daffodils and crocuses in the cool weather, and they’ll flower when things warm up!

Winter

Now, you might not expect much to be happening in your garden during the winter, and you’d be correct if you live somewhere that experiences prolonged cold temperatures and snow. Even though there aren’t any plants to be seen under all those snowflakes, now’s the perfect time to keep track of the birds and creatures who visit your yard.

Be a Backyard Biologist: Be sure to put out a well-stocked birdfeeder. And don’t forget – winter is the perfect time to plant seeds indoors so they’re ready for your garden when the warmer weather arrives!

Which season do you think should win the ultimate showdown?

It seems each season has its strengths – so which one wins the Ultimate Showdown? Is it going to be winter, spring, summer or fall? Vote for your favorite in the comments section below!

Want to learn more about your yard and all the critters that live there? Check out the Backyard Biologist mission on the Earth Rangers app!

The post Ultimate Season Showdown! first appeared on Earth Rangers.