January - Recycling

Why do we recycle?

Recycling is important for many reasons. Resources are very limited on Earth and starting to run out fairly quickly. The average American family ends up with 100 pounds of trash a week, which adds up to over two tons a year!  All the trash ends up either burned, which can pollute, or is put in landfills, which are starting to fill up. When landfills fill up, more must be created, which ruins natural lands. Recycling also saves energy to create new things, like cans or bottles. For example, it takes more energy to make a new bottle for soda than reusing an old one.

How Does Recycling work?

When people recycle, they either put recyclables in designated containers in public, or in a recycling bin at home. Next, the recyclables are taken by truck to a facility that takes the old product and makes it into new ones. Last, the new products are used again, and the cycle continues.

What can we recycle?

Paper, glass, aluminum materials (like cans), cardboard, steel cans, plastic bottles, and most other plastic materials can all be recycled. About 70% of all items can be recycled.

Activity:

Recycling Officer

Have the kids come up with a list of all everyday household products that can be recycled or reused and what they could be reused for. After they come up with a list, allow them to make/decorate cardboard boxes labeled for each type of item if they need to be separated; i.e. plastics, paper, cardboard, glass, etc. If the recycling program in your area allows recyclables to not be separated, they can make just one box labeled “Recycling”. Then, allow the kids to organize and run a recycling program within your home, making sure all family members are recycling when they can (verbal reminders or by making signs around the house) and making sure the recycling is being taken by the truck on recycling days. If there isn’t a recycling program in your neighborhood, the kids can organize weekly trips to recycling centers with parents. (Also, many grocery stores have recycling.) Allowing the kids to be in charge of your home’s recycling effort allows them to have a chance at leadership and also helps them understand the importance of conservation.