Save the Earth’s Resources, One Activity at a Time
Teaching kids how to reduce, reuse and recycle is a lesson that will last a lifetime. By educating our youth about the importance of conservation, it is certain that they will carry on these lessons wherever they go. Recycling materials can be done on a daily basis. There are little known ways to recycle without even thinking too hard about it. When conservation becomes part of our regular routine, it makes it that much easier to keep it going.
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Recycling is Limitless
Recycling can be done in a number of ways. It is not just limited to saving cans and bottles and bringing them to a recycling center. Recycling means using things over and over or using things without being wasteful. For example, when a child is writing notes or drawing on a piece of paper, he or she can flip the page to the other side and continue to use it until both sides are completely filled.
Another way to recycle paper is to keep a box of scrap paper. For sheets of papers that only have one side marked on, keeping it to use later is very resourceful. Have a box full of old birthday and holiday cards? By cutting the card in half, saving the side of the card that has nothing written on it can be used as scrap paper as well. For kids who bring lunches to school, try to avoid buying brown paper sacks and have them store lunch in a reusable bag instead. Avoiding using paper napkins to wipe faces by providing washable napkins instead. Lastly, pack snacks such as fruit or vegetables instead of crackers and chips. Fruit is biodegradable and healthier, too!
Conservation is Easy
Conserving energy can be done anywhere, whether it is at home or at school. Remembering to turn off the lights when leaving the room is a good habit to have. But conserving energy isn’t limited to just turning out the light. Turning off electronic devices such as the television or the computer is great, too. Another great thing to remember is to never let water run — make sure that faucets aren’t dripping and your toilets don't run.
Make Something New
Although it may seem silly, creating toys out of recycled materials can be a really fun activity. Using toilet paper rolls to create toys opens up a wealth of imagination. Old toilet papers rolls can be taped together to create fun shapes or telescopes. Making animals and flowers are possibilities as well.
Have an old shoebox? Instead of throwing it away, your child can transform it into a keepsake box, jewelry box or a place to keep desk supplies. A child can get creative be decorating its sides with markers or colored paper. If you have multiple shoeboxes lying around, a child can tape them together to create a pyramid or build it like a bridge to run their toy cars on. Or use the shoeboxes to create a dollhouse or other play structure.
