We know that kids today are what will make our world what it is, so getting them on board with Earth Day is a great way to teach them about the planet.

There are plenty of ways we can educate kids about Earth Day and the importance of celebrating and acknowledging the impact of food.

Our friends at the Rainforest Alliance offer some tips and information for our future leaders about the impact of foods and how they make their way to our grocery store shelves.

From the Rainforest Alliance:

An astounding number of fruits, vegetables, nuts, drinks, oils and flavorings originate in and around the rainforest. If we are not careful though, our appetites for these products could destroy the rainforest — the source from which they came from. Unsustainable farming methods continue to be a major cause of rainforest destruction and pollution worldwide. We help to conserve the rainforest and protect wildlife by supporting earth-friendly farming — Simply look for the Rainforest Alliance Certified^TM green frog seal on everyday products, like chocolate and bananas.

A fun way to get kids engaged in rainforest conservation is to visit the Rainforest Alliance’s Kids’ Corner, featuring online games, printable coloring pages and rainforest facts. One game — Track It Back — helps kids learn about where chocolate, bananas, and coffee come from, where they are grown and how they are harvested.

Once your kids have discovered the journey chocolate and bananas take to reach your supermarket shelves, try these sweet and sustainable recipes . Be sure to use chocolate and bananas stamped with the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal!

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To celebrate Earth Day and keeping the tips from the Rainforest Alliance in mind, here are some recipes to get you started:

Try our vegan banana bread, with three different variations: Simple, No Frills Banana Bread; Tropical Banana Bread; and Double Chocolate Banana Bread.

Or for something a little different, this kid-friendly recipe is easy to put together, healthful enough to enjoy for breakfast, and loaded with our two favourite ingredients.

Banana Chocolate Chip Pecan Breakfast Bars

1 very ripe banana, mashed
2/3 cup unrefined cane sugar
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
3/4 cup whole grain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick cooking oats
2/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch pan.

Put the banana, sugar, and coconut oil in a large bowl. Mix well. Put the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined. Put the flour mixture into the banana mixture. Mix until just combined. Stir in the oats, pecans, and chocolate chips until just combined.

Use a spatula to scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Press snuggly in the pan. Bake for 22 to 26 mixtures, until the edges are golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Looking for more ways to get your kids engaged in Earth Day and Earth Month? Check out: “Kids! 10 Easy Ways YOU Can Help Save Rainforests.”

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