As we all become more settled into our back-to-school routines, get used to homework each evening, and the cooler weather sets in, I know my family tends to start spending more time indoors than we did during the summer. Your family is likely the same. But the David Suzuki Foundation is challenging us to do the opposite—they want us to get outside and explore the wonders of nature in our own neighborhoods this fall so we can learn how we are connected to the environment and how our actions affect it
According to the David Suzuki Foundation, adults spend an estimated 9.3 hours a day sitting in their cars, workplaces, and homes. Their findings also show that the average North American child spends as few as 30 minutes playing outside each day and more than seven hours in front of a screen. Not good. What is good is researchers have found overwhelming evidence that time outside makes people healthier, happier, and smarter. Not a surprise, right? This is why, for the second year in a row, the foundation is challenging all of us—as families—to put down the electronics and get outside.
To get in on the challenge, all you have to do is sign-up at www.getbackoutside.ca and each week you will receive an email containing fun outdoor activities, instructions, and tips. Throughout the challenge, you can stay connected with other families who are also taking part to get more ideas and inspiration by using the hashtag #getbackoutside. You can also stay connected to other participants by following the David Suzuki Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
This is a challenge I am up for. How about you?
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