Getting Your Kids into Recycling

If you want your children to be as green as possible, starting early is essential. The habits we develop as kids usually stay with us once we become adults, so it is important to make caring for the environment part of everyday family life.

Set a good example

The most important thing you can do is to set a good example. There is no point in talking to your children about recycling, if you do not actually do it yourself. You will know that you are getting through when your three year old wants to know why you are not using recyclable shopping bags for your rubbish removal task.

Make it easy

The easier you make it for your child to recycle the more likely they are to do it properly. Make the recycling bins and containers accessible, and as kid friendly as possible.

Invest in some easy to understand signs that make it clear what products belong in each bin. If you cannot find any suitable ones in your area, just order some customized signs from the web, they are easy to find, and not expensive.

Show them the results

Showing your children how recycling helps the planet will enable them to understand why it is necessary. Children like to know why something has to be done a certain way, so explaining properly is important.

Use gaming to make recycling fun

The more fun an activity is the more likely it is that your children will want to take part. If you can, turn recycling into a game, or competition. You can also teach your kids about recycling using computer games. This one is free, fun and very good.

Get involved with community recycling events

If there is a recycling initiative being run in your area, get involved. It makes it more fun, and is a good opportunity for you to meet more people from your neighborhood. These events are also great places to pick up re-cycling tips that your kids can implement when they get home.

Make things

It is important to make sure that your children understand that recycling is not just about being careful about how you dispose of your rubbish. Reusing or repurposing things is by far the best way to protect the planet. It is important that your children realize this. Getting them to be creative and turn their unwanted items into new things is fun, and a great way for them to learn new skills.

Turn them into conscientious consumers

These days, kids are big consumers. Many have pocket money, or get to choose their own clothes and toys, from an early age.

Teaching your children to check what things are made from, and factor it into their purchasing decision, is important. However, you have to be realistic. If a child badly wants something, they are not likely to decide not to buy it because it is made from plastic, and is likely to fall apart after just a few weeks. Try not to scold them when they make purchasing decisions that are not all environmentally friendly.

The important thing is that you teach them to at least think about these things, and bear them in mind. That way they will grow into conscientious and greener consumers who will be able to make the right buying decisions once they reach adulthood.