Every parent wants to leave the world a better place for their children, and while it can sometimes feel like we have no control over what the future holds, one of the best ways to ensure a healthy planet for future generations is to teach our kids about recycling now so they grow up learning about waste awareness and the importance of conserving resources.
The earlier good habits are developed, the easier it will be to incorporate them into everyday life. Here are some activities to help children understand what recycling is and how they can get involved:
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1. Pick up trash in the park
Visit a park or beach and point out any trash you see on the ground. Explain the impacts to wildlife, such as birds that eat trash and get sick. Bring some bags and gloves to help clean up the trash.
2. Make a recycling box
Sorting recyclables is a surprisingly fun activity for young children. Draw pictures of what should go in each bin (paper, plastic, cans, etc., depending on your local recycling system) and give your child a few items to practice sorting. Explain the importance of putting everything in the right bin so that it can be easily processed when it arrives at the recycling facility.
3. Read a bedtime story
Dr. Seuss The Loraxis a great way to introduce kids to the world of environmental conservation at an early stage. Little Green Books I also enjoy reading Simon & Schuster’s books. Adventures with Aluminum Cans, I can save the ocean!and Plastic bottle adventure.
4. Explore the rooms in your house
Recycling is often focused on the kitchen, but there are things throughout the home that can be recycled or reused. Ask your kids to go into a particular room and point out things they think can be recycled. If they’re not sure, research together. There are plenty of things that don’t end up in the landfill: stuffed animals in the bedroom, paint in the garage, plastic packaging in the kitchen. Explain how items can be reused or upcycled. Old toys can be donated to charity, outgrown pants can be turned into shorts, board game pieces can be made into jewelry. This helps kids develop the habit of thinking about where outgrown items can find a new home once they’re done with them.
5. Run a recycling relay
Line up a row of recycling bins on a grassy area, each one containing a different item. Then divide kids (elementary school age is good for this game) into teams and have them take turns running to the bins, putting their item in the correct container, then running back and tapping their teammate, who then picks up the item and runs back to the bin. The first team to correctly recycle all their items wins. For an extra challenge, include some non-recyclable items so kids learn what should go in the bin. A composting bucket is also a good idea.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on October 18, 2013 and updated August 2024.
