Teaching Your Children to Recycle

Written by Karen Bates (last updated November 2, 2020)

Recycling is an important task that is most effective if many people are involved in it. Every little thing we can do to help the environment is important, and if everyone works to do a little good for the Earth it will make a big difference.

One way to perpetuate the idea of recycling is to teach it to children while they are young. Showing them how vital reusing and recycling are will help them to follow your example by continuing what you have taught them as they grow.

Although you might call recycling a chore, you can still get kids to do it and have fun at the same time. If you are wondering how to get your children involved in recycling, try some of these ideas:

  • Together with your children, go over the different types of recyclable materials. Find a place to put bins for each specific material. It can also be fun to let your kids make or decorate these bins as an activity to get them into the idea of recycling. If your kids are old enough, you may want to give them the responsibility of being in charge of the recycling at your house.
  • Instead of tossing empty boxes and paper, let your kids use them to unleash their creativity. A little paint, some glitter, and markers can turn what looks like garbage into a fun art project. You could even throw a recycling party, where the kids' friends come over to learn about recycling and work on crafts, too.
  • Gather together unneeded items in your home with your kids' help. Have them put old toys and clothes they have outgrown into bags, and take a trip to the thrift store. Explain to your children that their old items can now find new life as someone else reuses them. You may also want to organize a neighborhood garage sale to get the community involved.
  • When you go shopping with your kids, use a reusable shopping bag and tell them how this helps to reduce waste. By being a good example, you are showing your kids that recycling is important to you. This will help build their desire to recycle on their own.

    • Recycling is important, and teaching it to your kids is a vital way to help reduce waste. By learning about it now, they can use what they know about recycling as they grown up and eventually teach it to their own children.

    Author Bio

    Karen Bates

    An English student who enjoys writing and art, Karen has had her poetry published in her university's literary journal and has several novels in the works. ...

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