Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in vancouver, CN

Making Earth Day Everyday

April 20, 2009

I may have said something about this before, but coming from Halifax I am always surprised about how far behind BC is in recycling and garbage collection. There is so much here that isn't recyclable and there is no compost pickup. At home in NS we always composted, and a good portion of my grandmother's garden was always boosted with good rich earth from her compost heap. This reminds me that even though BC is so far behind in its waste management, we can make a difference especially when it come to what and how we throw things out.

You should first make yourself aware of what is banned from the landfill. You can check this out at the banned materials page. It is more difficult to do, but all drink containers are recyclable when returned to an Encorp return-it depot. There are depots all across BC and some will come and pick up drink containers by appointment if you have enough. Maybe you can do a bottle drive to help clean up the neighbourhood. The proceeds can go to one of your favourite charities. You can also start a recycling program for your preschool or elementary school.

If you have the space composting is pretty easy to do and a good way to invigorate your garden organically. You can buy a backyard composter from the city for $25 by going to the Vancouver Transfer Station at 377 West Kent Avenue North. (Use the line-up for the weigh scales. Approach the station from the east. Left turns are not allowed if you come from the west.)

I always try to have a plastic bag (I know bad) to pick up garbage, especially on the playgrounds we frequent. It is easier to be a model for good behaviour at this age. I also have reusable bags (also from NS) in my car and when I forget them in the car, I just put the groceries back in the cart and put them in the bags in the trunk. These small things can make a big difference.

What are your tips for making Earth Day everyday?

Extra Classes for the Preschooler: Academic Enrichment

by Gwendolyn Floyd

September 10, 2008

Your child may not be in a preschool class for various reasons, and those who are may only be there for a few hours a week. What do you do the rest of the week? Are there any interesting classes for the preschooler? Of course there are. In this series over the next few days I will highlight a  Read more...

Container Gardening for the Preschool Set

by Gwendolyn Floyd

July 21, 2008

How can you make container gardening easy and fun for kids? I guess the first thing is not to care how dirty your child gets, or whether or not the plants actually live. I would also start with some really easy plants that are edible like chives or some other herbs. Photo by:  Read more...

Small Steps to a Greener World: the Naturebag

by Gwendolyn Floyd

July 16, 2008

When I started looking for new Canadian products for the 2-6 set I came across the Naturebag . This is a new product put together by two Vancouver mums with an education background and a love of nature. They decided that especially in a city like Vancouver there was a need to bring kids back to nature. I was able to get a bag to try with my three year old and I must say I am impressed.  Read more...