Eco-Runner Kids

In addition to being an Eco-Runner, I am also a teacher by profession. With this in mind, I have come to realize the unique and extraordinary connection between the two, and the amazing pedagogical opportunity I am endowed with. Eco-Runner Kids is the brainchild of this connection. It attempts to combine physical fitness, environmental awareness, eco-conscious behavior, and green living habits, as part of a healthy lifestyle. Whether Eco-Runner Kids is taught in the classroom, or practiced at home, its aim is the development of today’s youth into physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy adults with a passion for life, environmental conservation, and living green.

Eco-Runner Kids incorporates kid-friendly activities and Eco-Runner clean-ups in participating schools. Eco-Runner Kids is not just running (although children do love to run!), Eco-Runner Kids run, walk, skip, hop, jump, shuffle, etc while they collect the rubbish, the garbage, the trash that they find along pathways, roads, trails, and playgrounds. Whether these activities take place at school or at home, constant supervision is a must, and sanitary measures, such as gloves, may be a good idea. However, children thrive in either setting/situation – working with friends or spending quality time with their family members. The most important aspect is to make the experience fun!

Eco-Runner Kids believe:
Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyle habits will undoubtedly improve their well-being. They also believe: Environmental conservation, sustainability, and living green will undeniably improve the world around them. Both aspects are essential for personal happiness and ecological balance. Often, it entails a complete rearrangement of our existence, and because of this, it also involves a great deal of motivation, determination, and self-discipline. Eco-Runner Kids play a vital role in the development and acquisition of these life-changing components. I believe in this statement with all of my heart, and I consider it my duty to promote, teach, and inspire youthful “passion with a purpose” for a greener tomorrow!

So here’s how it works:
For 30 days during the month of April (Earth Month), your goal is to keep the earth “Green and Clean.” You may exercise as usual, but during your exercise/play sessions, do an eco walk/run with someone in your family, or with a friend. *Only 30 days? Well, I hate to limit green living to just one month, but let's start with one month, make it a habit, and after that, let's work on making it something we do EVERY day?*

Please take a bag with you to pick up litter. *BioBags are biodegradable and compostable trash bags available online or in some stores. Find out more at http://www.biogroupusa.com/*
Record the # of trash bags you collected in the square of each calendar day.
Remember: EVERYTHING YOU DO MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!!
All calendars must be signed by a parent/guardian after the month is over, for those taking part in the Eco-Runner Kids theme.
The top three students collecting the most bags will receive the GRAND prizes. A drawing will be held for all participating students for a chance to win other great rewards. (Prizes are administered according to your schools vision and local sponsoring individuals/businesses. If you would like to have an “Eco-Runner” prize, please contact me for further details).
Your school may also consider incorporating a school-wide Eco-Run/Eco-Walk in your community as an addition to the Eco-Runner Kids Fitness Program. The Eco-Run/Eco-Walk would involve student’s strolling local neighborhoods – with supervisors, plastic gloves, and BioBags – to clean up the vicinity around their school. A school-wide effort such as this not only promotes a sense of community and camaraderie among students, staff, and parents; it also makes them aware of the impact litter pollution has on our environment. The goal is to raise awareness, and the sooner we are able to teach children about the harmful impacts of litter, the less likely they will commit such an act as adults. True, Earth Day is only one day a year; however, my challenge to each child is to make Earth Day, EVERY day. Earth Day should be practiced and observed 365 days a year!