Recycling: For Children

Hello!

Who's enjoying this fantastic sunshine? It was so nice being able to leave my coat in the car today, even if it was a bit chilly in the shade! Today my post is all about the next generation and how we can inspire them into a greener way of living before they even learn the bad habits we have!

My generation grew up in a world where consumerism wasn't a problem that had to be tackled - it was openly encouraged. There are so many new inventions, clothing trends, gadgets every single day - the world has more and more to offer in the way of entertainment and we are taught to reach out and grab every opportunity we can and there's nothing wrong with that. I encourage you to experience all you can and reach for the stars in every cheese-filled moment you have on this planet. Just make sure that as you do so you think of all the generations that will come after you're gone and make sure that opportunity will still be there for them when the time comes.

Todays' generation is growing up in a world of conflicting attitudes - the one I describe above, but also the new eco-friendly attitude. We're realising that we can't sustain our current habits indefinitely. More and more people are waking up and trying to stop all the damage we're doing. The best thing we can do for our children is to educate them now, so that it becomes natural by the time they're adults.

There are a number of ways you can teach your children about recycling and it really varies on their age. Young children will learn best with fun activities such as making a parachute out of recycled materials whereas older children are more likely to enjoy making their own recycled paper or invisible ink!

It's also a really good idea to get them involved in your recycling efforts around the home. If you have different bins for each item make sure they understand the difference and get them sorting their own rubbish - with a little help of course! It might also be helpful to have pictures on each box with examples of what to put in, so they get to know the less obvious items that can be recycled too.

If you have a compost bin get them involved there too. If you don't already do it, then get them to help you set up a compost bin. You'd be surprised by all the things you can throw in a compost heap and sharing the learning opportunity with your family will be a fun activity that everyone can take part in.

The most import part of all this is that you explain why you're doing it at every step. Children are sponges and if you teach them the habits now the planet will have a whole generation of eco-conscious adults in 20 years time.

What eco-activities do you include your children in?