January 23, 2004

By: Dana Wells
Website: http://www.1st-in-toys.com

Leonardo Dicaprio and National Geographic Kids Magazine Team up to Inspire a Million Kids to be Habitat Heroes

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 at www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids 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 (CO2) 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.

National Geographic Kids has a circulation of 900,000. A multitopic, photo-driven magazine for 6- to 14-year-olds, National Geographic Kids empowers its readers by making it fun to learn about the world.

About The Author:

Dana Wells is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com.  Find all the toys you wish you had as a kid. Fun and educational toys found here.