Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids to Recycle
As adults, we are trying to do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and take care of our planet. Do our kids understand our efforts? Oaks Dumpster Rental has compiled some ideas to teach children about the meaning of “reduce, reuse, and recycle” in ways that will make sense to them and some fun activities to engage them in the process.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Role Model
Children learn by example. Be a role model for “reduce, reuse, and recycle” and demonstrate environmentally friendly behaviors.
Reduce
Show kids you’re reducing the amount of waste we produce by packing lunches in reusable containers instead of plastic bags. Choose durable items that can be used again and again instead of disposables. Think reusable water bottles and containers. Think ahead about recycling when choosing products in the store — is the packaging recyclable?
Reuse
Reusing can be very fun for the kiddos. Save up toilet paper, paper towel rolls, and boxes, and let your kids reuse them to create their own city, racetrack, or other masterpiece. Show children that their outgrown clothes and toys can be reused by donating them to families in need. Take your reusable bags to the grocery store instead of getting paper or plastic there. There are lots of ways to show your kids how to reuse!
Recycle
Make a game of sorting out what items can be recycled and putting them in the appropriate bin. Make a list of all the things that are recyclable in your location. Have your kids draw pictures of examples of the items so younger children can participate in your recycling efforts. For more recycled craft activities, visit Education.com.
Online Games and Apps for Kids*
Your kids can visit Recycle City to see how the residents reduce, reuse, and recycle. There are also easy games and activities on the page. In the Recycle Roundup, children can clean up a virtual park and learn more about climate change. Preschoolers will enjoy sorting trash, recycling, and compostable items in the Recycling Waste game.
Apps Available in the Apple App Store:
Apps Available for Android in the Google Play Store:
*Please note that we have viewed information about these apps and online games, but did not try them all out. Parents are advised to review them to find the best activities for their children.
Teach your kids to treat our environment with respect by following the rules for reduce, reuse, and recycle!