It is true that the best time to educate people about the significance of recycling is when they are still young. At this time when values are still being honed and concepts about the world are still in the process of being formed in their minds, it is a very good time to start teaching kids about recycling and how this can help save our planet. Kids are not only always eager to learn but they are also very receptive to new ideas.

And just about anything, educating kids about recycling starts in your own home and in your community. This is why, it is of utmost importance that as parents we include recycling in the list of things to teach our kids aside from proper etiquette and moral values. To encourage kids and get them involved in recycling projects, here are great recycling ideas to start with:

1. Educate your kids about recycling. Before you put recycling bins all over your house, the foremost thing you have to do is to teach your kids about recycling and its importance. Tell your kids that the earth is our only home and that recycling is one excellent way of protecting it. Provide interesting facts about recycling such as how one ton of paper recycled saves 17 trees. Do not forget to tell the kids that every small work contributes to the larger picture.

Teach your kids the 3 R’s of recycling: reduce, reuse and recycle, and how these three concepts are different from each other. Reduce refers to cutting down on the amount of waste used in daily life. Encourage kids to use reusable cloth bags instead of disposable plastic bags. Reuse means reusing an item for a different purpose to minimize waste. Have the kids reuse old containers or plastic cups as penholders.

To cultivate education further, you can take the kids to the local recycling center so that they would have a close look as to how recycling takes place. You can also go with them to a library where you can browse on different books about recycling and about the environment. Doing these things will not only get them excited with recycling projects but would also give them a sense of fulfillment, knowing that they are doing something that is meaningful for humanity.

2. Start a home recycling program. Just be sure that when you do, you do everything to make it as exciting as possible. Kids would dread doing the program if it seems more like a chore than a fun project. For example, instead of using ordinary recycling bins, you can opt to place designer recycling containers in your home to add zest to the recycling program.

Teach them how the program would work. First, you and your kids need to label recycling bins accordingly so it would be easy for everyone to know where to put things. Place these bins strategically in the different locations of the house. Teach them the different techniques on recycling such as how to rinse bottles before putting them in a recycle bin or how to use recycling equipment such as aluminum can crushers for soda cans. With the help of the kids, sort out the materials collected and bring those that you cannot reuse anymore to the nearest recycling center.

It is always a good idea to put the kids in charge of the home recycling to make them feel that they are responsible for the program. Delegate the tasks fairly among the kids and let them take turns in being the recycling leader for the day. Always reinforce their proper attitude by being generous with praises and compliments. Give them rewards and treats once in a while for a job well done.

Getting kids involved in recycling is not just about teaching them about recycling per se or how to put trash in Rubbermaid recycling containers but developing many other positive values as well such as social awareness, care for the environment, responsibility and leadership.

3. Do fun reducing, reusing and recycling projects with your kids. Here are some wonderful recycling project ideas that your kids would surely love:

* Paper origami or paper mache Turn old newspaper and magazines into works of art by creating paper mache sculptures or paper origami out of them. This will not only encourage kids to recycle but also develop creativity and artistry in them.

* Recycling crafts There are many crafts that you can create out of scrap. For example, old magazines can be used to create collages or decorate scrapbooks.

* Collect old cans and bottles These collectible items can be brought to a recycling center and be exchanged for money. Allow your kids to buy the things that they like with that money they worked hard for. This activity does not only teach them about recycling but also about the value of working hard for money.

4. Enroll the kids in a community recycling program. Once the kids get the hang of it and they start to enjoy the home recycling program, it’s time to take them a step higher by getting them involved in recycling programs in the community like kids’ recycling clubs. This will not only foster their care for the environment but will also cultivate camaraderie and social skills in your little ones. If there are no such projects in your community, you can suggest it to the local government.

5. Be a good role model to your kid. Make sure that you practice what you preach. If your kids see that you are not using your office recycling container properly, they can easily be discouraged.

Kids are going to be adults and soon they will be in charge of taking care of our planet. If we don’t influence them properly on how to take care of the environment, there’s nothing left for them but a bleak future. We surely do not want that for our dearly loved kids.

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