Having a five-year-old makes living life way more fun! It brings out the best in me. Building a toad abode uses my brain’s creative side to communicate with my son. Translating information for him so he understands life. It has sharpened my own senses. It’s a chance to TEACH! Untapping this creative Mom energy has me doing things differently. I look for the small things to inspire my son.
The toad abode will educate the kids about ecosystems
A five-year-old is still learning the concept of time. Today and tomorrow are kinda the same to them. So, he’s taught me that the concept of time is another learned behavior.
For instance, if I tell him we’re going to visit a bird sanctuary tomorrow he always asks. “Now?” They don’t live in the past or the future, kids live in the NOW!
So, there is no time like the present! Educating children on Climate change is more important now than ever.
So, off we went to the Bird sanctuary to let him experience Nature. A tradition that keeps sanctuaries open. It allows Wildlife peaceful enjoyment of the land. It’s a place where families go to feed the ducks and explore a nature trail. It’s a place to learn.
My son found out the smallest creatures hunt and survive close to the shores. Nonetheless, frogs also hang out near the shore.
(They’ll croak if they don’t!)
They’ll reproduce and lay their eggs in shallow water. Then, larger animals and birds will eat their eggs as food. Therefore, if they disappear in large numbers it will impact the local food chain. This potentially will devastate other wild populations as well.
Progress and Habitat Preservation
We live in an area developed with a mixture of houses, townhouses, and condos. Communities like mine are not built with the consideration of the wild residences. I think one of the biggest problems with current developments is the lack of habitat preservation.
We don’t build parks for wildlife only for our children`s pleasure. Our neighborhood used to be farmland and some of the former wildlife still reside here.
Throughout the Summer our neighbor, Mr. Frog, was talking from time to time. I didn’t really think much of it. Until one day I thought, It’s pretty hot out there for the little guy! Summer came and went… and this clever little fella found enough food and water to survive.
I consciously decided it was time to give our neighbor a new home. The Toad Abode is super simple and only takes about 30 minutes. For me, this is the first home I’ve ever built it. It`s probably your first time too!
Building materials
- Pebbles
- Moss
- Small Sticks
- Wider sticks: Driftwood works well
Dig a shallow hole to begin the foundation of the home. Place the pebbles and Moss on the floor. Stack the sticks and wider driftwood or small logs so it leaves pockets for the Frog. Cover the wood with dirt.
Stocking the Pond
Most frogs hate change. So don’t try and take a frog away from their habitat for the sake of filling the one you built. If you tried to transplant a frog from one point to another their chances of survival are slim. It could take up to two years for a frog to find the home you’ve built. So, If you can`t wait then look for Tadpoles. They’ll have a better chance of survival.
For a population to grow in your toad abode you will need a large enough pond. The pond should be 60 cm deep with lots of hiding spots, foliage, lily pads, and shallow areas.
Place the thicker flatter wood around the edges to give them a way to get out. If you choose to go with a large pond don’t stock it with fish since the fish will eat their eggs.
I chose to use a large flower pot to invite our neighbor into my backyard. Use wood in and around the edges to give them access or an escape from the pond.
Time well spent
My son and I went to the beach to find the building blocks for our Toad’s abode. We then turned it into a 10 Minute Shoreline Cleanup. We found all the materials and headed back home. It gave us a purpose instead of just another stroll on the Beach.
This is a good example of living consciously. I usually talk about shopping eco-friendly in the grocery store. Both activities take planning and require you to think outside the box!
Amphibians are the “canary in the coal mine.” Since frogs have permeable skin water passes through their bodies. Unlike us, they have no filter. However, like us, they prefer clean food, air, and water.
The three biggest reasons frogs lose their homes: Habitat destruction from Agriculture, urban development and logging habitat.
Secondly, from habitat fragmentation such as building a Dam in rivers, roads through the forest and walls.
Lastly, they lose their habitat from degradation usually caused by pollution. These three reasons are the reasons why people should make their backyards a frog friendly haven.
Educate your kids with more eco-friendly ideas and help children connect with Nature. An Ocean plastic pollution guide is a wonderful resource to help kids learn more. It teaches them that they can do things to make a difference. For example, reduce plastic in their lunches or shoreline cleanups with their friends. Find out how you can buy eco-friendly school supplies with the best educational guide to plastic pollution.
It’s time to take a more holistic approach and start inventing new ways to replace synthetic chemicals and materials with natural alternatives. Communities around the world have an opportunity to harvest Planet, People Products. Support small organizations that are working to support these small villages, local artisans, and grass-root organizations. Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life in a meaningful way? Buy products from small companies working with villagers. These Seagrass market bags are a good way to support artisans in Vietnam. It’s our pledge to work together to create a more natural, healthy, and Eco-friendly planet.
For more frog-friendly reads click the link below
Halloween is the time of years where our little ghouls and goblins roam the streets. It’s one of Canada’s favorite traditions filled with sweet treats and fun costumes. Kids love the festivities with decorations and games. Each year we hand out over 400 million dollars of packaged chocolate bars, gumballs, taffy, and lollipops. But, it’s a plastic and polyester nightmare! Yet, some of the happiest memories are made during this spooky time of year. In the midst, of all these spooktacular memories have you wondered how much goes in the trash? Since research estimates, the amount of plastic thrown away by clothing alone is 2000 tonnes a year! Find out how you can change your habits and become an Earth-friendly Halloween shopper. Unfortunately, the textiles used in costumes are primarily polyester. The man-made material is a polluting oil-based plastic that won’t biodegrade. It’s a Franken cloth that truly will spook you and the kids! It will also, give your grandchildren’s kids a fright too. It’s not easy being eco-friendly during Halloween that’s why I want to give you these great ideas. As parents, we want to give the kids a good time but not at the expense of our planet. Natural products were once at the core of celebrations in the past. The celebrations would only involve natural materials. For example in the very beginning animal hides were used as costumes. I don’t think anybody wants to go back to those days but there certainly is a compromise. If your searching for a costume it’s best to find one that has already been used. Buying a brand new polyester costume only makes the problem worse. Don’t use your money to support a company that uses cheap and dirty threads. Instead of handing over our money to support a company that uses polyester, buy used. It’s important to reuse the costumes that are already out there! The thrift store, Varagesale, or Facebook marketplace has lots of options. There are not many times of the year that you can decorate with hay bales! This is the most perfect way to set up a display in your doorway. Your pumpkins and gourds will give your entrance a beautiful framework. When you decorate with natural decorations people really take notice and you’ll get lots of compliments. I promise. Every Halloween display needs a banner and I recommend looking for burlap material. I found burlap garland one Christmas at the dollar store. But, you can find burlap bags at a farm or grocery store near you. Cut the burlap into a 4.5×4.5 inch square You will need 14 squares Use Mineral paint to write one letter onto each square Cut a piece of string (jute or hemp) to size Make sure there is a small gap between the letters and a large gap between the words Adhere the burlap squares to the string with eco-friendly glue You should look for eco-friendly glue because the glue we use today is made with formaldehyde. This cancer-causing chemical is a good enough reason to find an alternative. So, the alternative for your craft drawer is a product that contains soy protein, carbohydrates, and lignan. It is both strong and water-resistant. Mineral paint is an environmentally friendly option since it does not contain lead ammonia or formaldehyde. This unique formulation is non-toxic and has no odor! It’s a wonderful eco-friendly choice for any project which needs painting. Finally, decorations can be found for free in the Natural Environment. You don’t have to break the bank to decorate since there is beauty in your neighborhood. If you live in an area near marshland then bull reeds make a beautiful arrangement. You can also use Pampas grass flowers which accent the arrangement with texture for your home. One of the biggest issues with Halloween today is the massive amounts of overpackaging. The waste from those tiny little chocolate bars is crazy! The wrappers cannot be recycled using the blue bins at home. They’re single-use packaging that’s slowly but surely polluting the planet. But, what could we possibly give out to other people’s children that are considered safe? Hershey kisses have tin foil wrapping and it can be recycled. But, most people don’t know that! So, these little kisses are a good alternative. But, the candy industry must change their packaging so we can truly make a difference. If you’re that person that would rather hand out something healthy then apples, oranges, and bananas are a good option. Get creative! Give them a face by drawing with a felt pen. Kids will appreciate a vampire banana or a Jack O Lantern orange. Most families look forward to Halloween every year. It’s a custom that has been celebrated for the past 2000 years. Therefore this tradition will always be a part of our lives and enjoyed for future generations. As a conscious Earth-friendly Halloween shopper, we need to change our ways and vote with our dollars. The costume and candy companies don’t make it easy for us, but do you know of a company that’s raised the bar? Let me know. For more Halloween facts check out these truly scary links Is it possible for the entire modern civilization to ban together and pledge equal rights for Mother Nature? No, but keep reading! The design of the current economic system oppresses the poor. This has driven them to degrade giant swaths of protected land. As a result, deforestation is one of the biggest issues in dry, arid and poor countries. They have a choice to either expand a harvest or risk starving their family. So the choice becomes clear. Economic systems that pay farmers pennies a day have no rights. They are slaves that work every day to make a measly $200.00 a year. Human rights are the basic freedom that belongs to every person. They’re shared human values which include dignity, fairness, respect, equality, and independence. However, there are forces in this world that don’t believe in rights. That is to say, there is a twisted vortex of greed, hate, sickness, and blatant disregard. It’s destroying the rights of hard-working people. Injustice and inhumane treatment have hurt not only humans but also the natural world. Will it ever stop? It’s not an exaggeration when I say this is a question that millions perhaps billions of people ask! The unequal treatment of whole ecosystems is one of today’s biggest issues. It is society’s biggest social problem. It’s rooted in history so it will not be easy to change. There are thousands of tribes with different customs, religions, and beliefs. So, it seems near impossible to fix the racial biases that shape the world today. Colonialism has made the largest impact on human rights. Today’s leaders seek a policy to govern the rights over people, territories, and things. This economic dominance so far has created a climate catastrophe. We cannot respect nature if there is rampant inequality. But, we do have it within ourselves to protect nature. There is a way of life that predates our modern state. These people are the hunter-gatherers, the more natural or Egalitarian people. They believe in governing with equal political, economic and social rights. The core beliefs of a family represent mutual respect and fair treatment of one another. Respect that lays the foundation required for equality. Family members identify themselves as having the same social and economic caliber. All that’s needed is equality and education for stewardship to become a core value in the family system. Stewardship has long term benefits for social and economic order. It’s important to realize that it’s in the best interest of families, social order, and future generations. It’s in the best interest of Mother nature. There is an Egalitarian Tribal family that has sought to make a positive impact. It’s a change that will protect the rights of a natural ecosystem. In 2017 a tribe from New Zealand has changed the way people can treat a River. The Maori Tribe from the North Island won legal rights for the third-largest River in New Zealand. The legislature awarded them a victory because their case was strong. Instead of managing the river the law will now treat the river as an entity. The rights of the river are the same as the tribes. So for instance, fines and prosections will be given to those who dump or overfish. The law will try the offender with the same laws as an entity. The incredible process was the longest litigation in the country’s history. The tribe’s core value recognizes the genealogy of the human race. As a matter of fact, molecules that form our bodies come from the Universe. So, rather us being a master of the natural world we are apart of it. This legal win will allow the Tribe to build a framework of the river’s new life. They say it is not an anti-development or anti-economic framework. But a core belief about how the future life of the river will run. This connection to the natural world runs deep with Indigenous people. The livelihood and general well being of future generations rely on the health of the river. Something other than a person having human rights is an established idea. The definition of a “legal personality” is a common corporate practice. It distinguishes the legal obligations of the directors and shareholders. So, the theory is practiced in modern business. Once in effect the people, legislature and corporations must take it seriously. Advocate Mumta Ito, believes the current system is programmed for self-destruction. The legal system is the enabler. “the only way we’ll be able to change things is to create a new operating system with nature’s rights at its core.” However, the lives of those that live in a city or suburb don’t have the same connection to the environment. The desensitization of society’s polluting way has created a climate catastrophe. A lawyer named Neil Howlett says if this law is passed outside the cultural basis it will not work. Skeptics say dedicating personhood is an act of desperation to save a river. Regardless, indigenous Hunter-gatherers like the Maori tribe will steward the rights of mother nature. Co-existing conditions such as peaceful relations and the right to do business are however necessary. Indigenous people around the world should not be oppressed. Corporate greed and disregard for human rights can not offer us the change we need. You can make a difference when it seems impossible. Mother nature needs your help. Talk to family members: Give back to Nature. Often families look for ways to make quality time. Cleaning up a beach, garden, do your own juicing, plant a tree. There are many ways to bond and do good for the Planet. Bake your own cookies: The palm oil that manufacturers use is devastating the Amazon rain forest’s habitats. Buy Fairtrade Chocolate: This program is designed to give locals (farmers) and their families sustainable incomes and working conditions. Support initiatives led by Indigenous Tribes or support a non-profit advocacy group. Well, I’m glad you’re here! Because you’ve just found the best educational guide to help solve the ocean plastic problem! Just by being open to solving the plastic pollution crisis creates opportunities. I’m scouring the Internet to find a solution to our plastic crisis. I’ve found some great eco-friendly school supplies for you. Plus, you’ll get three educational guides for kids and parents from grade two to twelve! What luck! So, the school supply list came in for my son’s first year of elementary school. I found there were quite a few requests for plastic. A plastic box for crayons and pencils, plastic ziplock bags, and vinyl binders. You can buy Edu-packs that come prepackaged specifically made for busy parents. The supplies come in a large clear plastic pouch with a zipper. So I recommend looking around for yourself. For parents who are looking to make a change, this is a good start. It’s not hard to make small changes that benefit the planet. Firstly, eco-friendly products are easy to find! I took a look online for environmentally friendly options and quickly found the Aurora 3 ring binder. It is a recycled cardboard version of the plastic vinyl option. It’s made of a high percentage of recycled material called fluted chipboard. Then, I found a drawer organizer for my son’s pencils and crayons. An eco- friendly option made up of 100% bamboo. The two biggest reasons why you should choose bamboo are it’s sustainable and natural. The forests grow in a matter of a few years and the products are biodegradable. Two great options and I barely lift a finger! I also ran across something called Onyx and Green scissors. The scissor handles are made with corn plastic. There are all sorts of new “green” plastics on the market to replace the traditional monomer plastics. However, these plastics are not readily biodegradable by traditional composting methods. They only biodegrade in industrial methods using high temperatures up to six months. Also, Onyx and Green’s glue is 100% plant-based and non-toxic. Environmental stewardship starts at an early age so here’s a great way to inspire and learn more! This unique education pack is distributed by Climate Change Canada for families and teachers. Click the link to get the best educational guide, unit plan, and tool kit. Plus, a workbook for teachers or parents to share with their elementary-aged kids. At last, there’s a way to lead the way for Climate change! Of course, education is always a place to find creative ways to a new solution. Whether it’s in elementary school or middle school students need to continue learning about plastic pollution. Through these lessons hopefully, the youth today will see the value of our Oceans and break their patterns. So, click the link to get the workbook for middle school kids. Plus, here’s the unit plan and tool kit for your next lesson. It will take a deep level of conscious thinking for transformational change here on Earth. Eventually, students with an understanding of how their actions affect the environment will become mentors themselves. Click the link to get a high school student’s workbook and the corresponding unit plan and toolkit for Parents (teachers). 4 Halloween Tricks To Treat The Earth-Friendly
![](http://<p><a href="https://study.com/academy/lesson/frog-habitat-lesson-for-kids.html?wvideo=dyndxq9s31"><img src="/cimages/videopreview/videopreview-full/dyndxq9s31.jpg" width="400" height="225" style="width: 400px; height: 225px;"></a></p><p><a href="https://study.com/academy/lesson/frog-habitat-lesson-for-kids.html?wvideo=dyndxq9s31">Frog Habitat: Lesson for Kids – Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com</a></p>“>Frog Habitats</a></p>
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Earth-friendly Halloween Costumes
Earth-friendly Halloween Decorations
Happy Halloween Banner
Candy
Why Mother Nature Has More Powerful Legal Rights
Colonialism vs Egalitarian
Mother Nature’s rights
Work in progress
Here is a list of things you can do to help.
Check out these interesting stories and info on this topic!
The Best Educational Guide To The Plastic Problem
Educational Guides:
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
