How to Teach Children About Recycling

Children should be taught that even small efforts at recycling materials result in significant savings over time. For example, recycling just one glass bottle conserves the electricity required to operate a 100-watt light bulb for four hours. So get your children involved in fun projects to recycle household plastics, glass, aluminum, cardboard and paper.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 large plastic recycling bins
  • Canvas bags or reusable bags
  • Permanent marker

Instructions

    • 1

      Find or purchase at least three large plastic recycling bins. Use a permanent marker to label each bin. Mark the bins "Plastic," "Aluminum" and "Paper/Cardboard." You may need more bins depending on the recycling regulations in your area. For instance, create a bin that says "Glass" if your curbside recycling program handles glass products. Talk to your kids about what goes into each of these bins and why. Explain that plastics, cardboard, aluminum and glass items can be washed out and put in the bins to be recycled. Emphasize that these items should not go in the trash. You can also show children the number labels on plastics (numbers within triangles) and tell them which numbers your recycling program accepts.

    • 2

      Take your children with you to your local grocery store. Purchase some reusable bags at the store. These bags are usually located near the cash register. Explain to your children the purpose of these bags. Tell them that by using these bags every time you all shop, you're cutting down on the demand for single-use plastic bags.

    • 3

      Take your children to the local recycling plant in your city if it offers tours. Kids are very visual, and this field trip will help them understand more about what happens to the items they are helping to recycle. Encourage them to ask questions of the recycling plant employees.

    • 4

      Show your children the website Great Green Goods. This website features items such as backpacks made from recycled materials, as well as ideas on how to reuse household items such as old vinyl records and rubber products (see Resources).

    • 5

      Set up a composting bin in your backyard to recycle household food wastes and yard materials such as lawn clippings into fertilizer for your garden. This can be a long-term project lasting weeks or months depending on the type of composting equipment you choose.

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