March 04, 2004

By: William Christiansen
Website: http://www.1st-in-kids.com

National Geographic Kids Magazine Team Up To Inspire a Million Kids To Be Habitat Heros

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio may have gone down on a sinking ship in the movie Titanic, but now he's asking kids to help him make sure the Earth doesn't sink in pollution. As guest editor of the April issue of National Geographic Kids magazine, DiCaprio encourages kids to think green and take the Habitat Hero Pledge.

Someone once said that we didn't inherit the Earth from our ancestors - we're borrowing it from future generations. I think that's so true, and that means that it's up to us to keep the Earth safe for the future, DiCaprio told National Geographic Kids Editor in Chief Melina Bellows. When we all work together, even the smallest actions to protect the planet can turn into something huge.

National Geographic Kids and DiCaprio's goal is to get a million kids to take the Habitat Hero Pledge to do something to help the environment and keep our planet healthy. Kids can go online to take the pledge. Those who complete an eco-friendly project will be in line to win a trip for a family of four to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and DiCaprio will call or email the winner.

DiCaprio lists six tips in the magazine to help kids become Habitat Heroes:

* Recycle newspaper, plastic and other household waste. This can reduce carbon dioxide emissions - which many scientists believe contribute to global warming - by up to 850 pounds a year.

* Walk, ride your bike or carpool. Driving 15 miles less a week can save 780 pounds of CO2 a year.

* Ask your parents to buy a more fuel-efficient car. On average, driving a hybrid car can save up to 4,400 pounds of CO2 a year.

* Change three standard lightbulbs to compact fluorescent lights. This can save 300 pounds of CO2 a year.

* Turn off the lights when you leave a room.

* Plant a tree to put more oxygen into the atmosphere.

About The Author:

William Christiansen is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com.  Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.