Here are several things you can do to teach your kids the importance of recycling and make recycling fun in the process!
Recycling and proper waste management help us solve critical problems our world faces today. From reducing pollution and greenhouse gasses to energy conservation, recycling is something we all need to participate in, regardless of our age.
That’s what we’re here to talk about: How we shape future generations today decides how we will shape the world tomorrow.
We’re all changing the world one step at a time
Recycling is not something that only one person can do. It takes a combined effort of whole communities to make it happen.
It can also be a great learning experience for children. By making recycling more accessible, kids can learn that small actions lead to significant results over time. Even more so, they’ll come to understand that making the world a better place involves everyone, not just the individual.
Lead by example
Since children emulate their parents’ actions, setting good examples is a huge deal. Recycling is a fantastic activity for learning about waste management and strategies. And making the most out of our old things becomes a valuable teaching moment for kids.
For example: You’ve got an iPad that you use to relax after work with some Spider Solitaire or movies, but eventually, it becomes slow and outdated. It’s something that happens to most, if not all, electronic devices.
That’s not a reason to throw it out, though. Did you know that you can sell iPad for cash instead? That’s an additional lesson for your kids:
They learn that many things still have value even once we’ve stopped using them!
Another example would be shoe boxes. Everyone has at least several empty boxes at home, right? Why not re-purpose them into something like storage boxes or wall shelves?
Get creative!
Re-purposing old items is only limited by our imagination. Yes, seriously.
There are thousands of DIY tips online on turning bottles, jars, cans, and boxes into decorative – and practical – items for your home. Arts and crafts just became an everyday activity for you kids! Stretching their creative muscles and making all sorts of items they can later use is something kids are sure to enjoy – all while learning about recycling.
Turn recycling into a game
Kids bring their energy and enthusiasm wherever they go, and it’s the parents’ job to direct that enthusiasm productively. One way to do that is to turn certain activities into games. Some parents like to put a hoop beneath their bins and have kids shoot and score points!
So, instead of portraying recycling as a tedious activity that only adults do, you can make all sorts of different games to include your kids. Younger kids can have fun distributing materials in proper colour-coded bins. Older kids can further research how much waste a single household produces in a week or a year. Like any game, these activities should also come with rewards. For example, your kids might take out the trash or maintain a good recycling habit over a certain period. And if they do so, you can treat them to a toy or their favourite meal at the end of the week.
Keep the kids involved
We sometimes forget how much kids enjoy being involved. Whether it’s small groups like sports teams or bands, or an activity, they like being a part of something.
Keeping kids included in activities such as recycling can make them feel more grown-up and responsible. We have to teach kids early on that everyone plays a part in changing the world and show them that what they do genuinely matters.
Want to share your advice on how to make recycling fun for kids? Let us know in the comments!
Feature image credit: Bernard Hermant / Unsplash
