Teaching Children the Importance of Recycling

Children love to get dirty. No matter how much you attempt to keep them clean they will inevitably get dirty once again, but it can also lead to something positive. Digging through the trash isn't something any of use really "want" to do, but for the sake of the environment you could use this task to teach children the importance of recycling.

What's currently lurking in and around your trash can? Empty plastic bottles, paper plates, an old pizza box or cereal box, perhaps? With a little effort on your part and with your kids standing by you can help the environment and give a lesson in saving the planet all at once.

Most anything made now days and we are so quick to dispose of items before considering the recycling part of the earth. Habits picked up early in life can be carried throughout life and eventually used to teach others, as well. Kids are into things that are fun and there is fun in recycling you just have to know where the fun starts and the trash ends. Here are some tips and tools to help teach kids how to think before they toss and to learn the basics of saving the planet.

1. Teach children the basics: Paper is from trees, glass is from sand, and the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Re-purpose when you can). Once you have the basics the rest will fall into place. Letting children draw out what they think recycling means and have them feel they play an important role in the process.

2. Get Kids Involved: Get your kids involved in programs to help them learn with other children. These programs can include a neighborhood rally effort and even school or on line programs. There are programs on line to help get your started, such as Kids Recycle!

3. Practice these steps at home: Practice, practice, practice is all you can do to help children stay on the good side with the planet. If you see them throwing something away that can be recycled, remind them of why and the important aspects of recycling. Once they get into a routine they will be good to go and will start remembering these key values on their own.