Magic of Recycling Resource Material
Recycling isn't easy! Like anything else, it takes lots of practice to become efficient.
The first step in teaching the importance of recycling to your children is explaining why we should recycle. Teach your children that the earth is their home and deserves their care and respect.
Instilling strong interconnectedness and interdependence between humans and the environment is also essential. In other words, their daily actions can affect the earth in either a positive or negative way. Once students understand this basic concept, they'll see the importance of recycling. For more information, see our Magic of Recycling Magic Program.
The Three "R's"
Starting with the basics is a great way to teach children about recycling. It's essential to identify the three R's so they can distinguish three key ways to reduce their ecological footprint: their impact on the environment.
- Reduce the amount of waste used in everyday life. For example, reduce waste by teaching students to use canvas bags at the grocery store instead of plastic bags.
- Reuse an existing item in your household to minimize waste. Some examples include using gift bags to cut down on paper waste or decorating cans or jars with stickers or glitter to create a unique pencil holder.
- Recycling is when an object can be shredded, melted, or processed to create new raw materials. For instance, aluminum can create more cans, while paper and cardboard can be recycled to generate more paper products.
Four Fun Recycling Activities for Students
- A fun starter recycling project for students is separating paper and cardboard waste at home from plastics and metals. These should be carefully divided and placed into appropriately labeled bins. For example, green plastics should be placed in one bin and white plastics in another; glass products should be separated according to color. You can also use paper to make fun recycled paper crafts. As with any home project, adult supervision is recommended.
- Organizing a nature walk through the neighborhood or a local park is another excellent way to get students involved in recycling. Parents can accompany children and guide them in identifying and picking up recyclable litter to clean up. This event can be scheduled to celebrate Earth Day or any time throughout the year.
- In addition, implementing a community recycling program is a great way to get students involved in learning about the environment. These programs are also in place at several schools. If your children's school does not have such a program, become involved in establishing one by attending a parent's night or by talking to your child's teacher or principal. Students can participate in these programs with their schoolmates and learn about the importance of community in creating a healthy environment.
- Composting is another fun recycling project for students, which helps to reduce outdoor household waste. Students can help to compost yard waste and vegetable scraps. When items are sufficiently composted, they can get their hands dirty by helping to distribute composted materials in your garden, as compost makes excellent fertilizer.
Discussion Questions:
- Whose responsibility is it to recycle?
- What does it mean to recycle, and what can be recycled?
- Where do things go to be recycled?
- How often should we recycle?
- Why is recycling vital to our environment?
- How can I start recycling today?