Protecting planet Earth for our families and future generations by reducing, reusing, and recycling is a necessity. Sharing the principles of environmental care with young children is one way to help. Here are a few creative ways to teach your child to reduce, reuse, and recycle, many of which can be integrated into your daily routine. Try out these activities to help get your family excited about caring for our planet:
1. Cultivate love and respect for the natural environment.
One of the fundamentals of instilling a lifetime of motivation to reduce, reuse, and recycle is to develop your child’s interest in nature. This can be done simply by taking regular, mindful nature walks in one’s own neighborhood. Children quickly become budding environmentalists as they identify and form relationships with familiar plants, animals, rocks, and insects. Check out your local zoo or arboretum for environmental education-centered summer camps and day programs to take this interest to the next level.
2. Start a kitchen garden.
Learn the ins and outs of caring for the natural world by starting a home garden. Whether you’re starting a full-blown farm or tending to a few potted herbs, you’re helping your child learn about the ways that growing food helps eliminate the use of plastic packaging, reduce fuel costs, and lessen food waste.
3. Find creative ways to reuse older things.
Children grow so quickly, and used clothes can be made into new creations! Instead of tossing out old clothing, get creative with reuse! Try cutting fabric into squares or strips for use as dishrags or as material for a rag rug. Before heading to the craft store to buy materials for a craft project, check the recycling bin first. Ideas for recycled crafts for children are endless and can help your child see the impact of reuse firsthand.
4. Practice responsible purchasing.
Our children are frequently right by our side when we are out shopping for clothes, groceries, and household staples. Making an effort to shop for reused clothes and other items for the home whenever possible provides a great opportunity to instill the importance of reducing waste. Online options like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist make it easier than ever to search for gently used versions of the specific things we need.
5. Get inspired by recycled art.
Popular visual artists are prioritizing environmentalism in their work by using recycled and sustainably-sourced materials. What are some items you might be tossing out that you can use for an interesting art or craft project? Colorful plastic bottle tops can create an interesting design and fun sorting activity by color too! Or perhaps using a small box to create a house for their small toys with other found items as furniture. You can learn more about recycled artwork at your local museum or library. This can be a way to initiate a conversation with your child about reusing and recycling.
Growing with The Gardner School
Introducing children to the concept of conservation at an early age helps them understand more about the world and their place in it. The Gardner School teaches good stewardship habits through academic enrichment and our school culture. Our recycling and gardening programs help our students take pride in the place they call home. Schedule a tour today to learn more about how we care for the Earth by caring for our children.