Every year on April 22nd, the world takes time to show its support for environmental protection on Earth Day. It is day that is used to educate about how best to treat our planet with care and respect. Are you and your family ready to help?
Every day, pollution is dumped into our streams, forests, and oceans. Smoke and chemicals from factories fill the air we breathe. Fumes from cars and trucks pollute our environment worldwide.
Earth Day started officially in 1970 as a movement to motivate people to do something about the pollution. Over the decades, it has grown and has become a key time to remind all of us that it is critically important for us to take better care of the earth.
You and your children can check out the Earth Day celebration here in San Antonio that is a part of our Fiesta.
“Earth Day is a great opportunity to create positive change when it comes to taking care of our planet, and your children can actually make a difference on Earth Day when they brush their teeth!” said Dr. Lela Farmer, lead dentist at Scuba Smiles for Kids in North Central San Antonio.
Facts about climate change
Most scientists agree that with global warming comes heavier rains, intense storms, and more powerful hurricanes. You have been reading a lot of disturbing news about horrible drought and floods in California. Scientists say global warming has contributed to weather woes in California.
Did you know that the Earth’s average temperature has risen about 1.8 degrees over the last one hundred years? That temperature is likely to keep going up as long as carbon dioxide and other emissions fill the Earth’s atmosphere.
Global warming and pollution seems like such an overwhelming problem, and you may be wondering if there is anything you can do that will help. Well, there is. Take that first step by having great oral hygiene habits. This sets a good example for your child as well!
4 ways to celebrate Earth Day
Don’t Waste Water
When your child begins to brush, encourage them to TURN OFF THE WATER.
“No one really needs to leave the water running while brushing their teeth. By turning off the water while brushing, you could save as much as 200 gallons of water a month and maybe more,” said Dr. Farmer.
When your family turns off the faucet, they are helping to conserve water. That’s good for the planet. You might also save some money on your next water bill. That’s good for your wallet!
Watch how you shop
It is hard to take a walk and not notice how much plastic is tossed to the ground, or into nearby creeks and streams. But there are eco-friendly products such as bamboo toothbrushes that are much better for the environment and allow you to still take great care of your teeth.
Be Floss Friendly
Next time you are out shopping, look for the dental flossers that often are discarded on to a sidewalk or parking lot. Gross! Instead of using dental flossers which are partially made of plastic, look for floss packaged in eco-friendly containers. You may even be able to buy biodegradable floss!
That Amazing Toothbrush
It always a good idea to change out your toothbrush every three to four months.
Don’t be in such a hurry to toss that old toothbrush, though. You will be amazed at some of the things it can do besides brushing teeth! A toothbrush can revive your Velcro, clean your child’s small toys, or help dust off the air vents on your hairdryer or computer. There are all kinds of creative things an old toothbrush can do!
So you see, you really can do something to help stop pollution and protect the Earth. It is as simple as just changing the way you and your children brush your teeth. Remember the team at Scuba Smiles is always here to answer your questions. Happy Earth Day everyone!
