Recycling - get the kids involved

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Lets be honest its much easier to put all our rubbish in one bin than it is to separate it all out. However, with the UK producing more than 454 million tones of waste each year, its certainly not the done thing these days and, as we are all too aware, effective recycling can mean were all doing our bit for the environment kids too.

Kids dont respond well to anything they consider a chore who does? But make it interesting and theyll have fun while also learning a valuable lesson.

All kids like to cut and stick why not do this with materials that would otherwise have been thrown away? Reminiscent of the days of Blue Peter, kids can make all manner of objects with household cast-offs.

Create a dressing up box with all unwanted clothing. A bit of customisation can create a wealth of interesting outfits for kids fancy dress parties or those occasions when the school suddenly decides all kids need to wear Halloween/Christmas/Easter outfits.

Its likely that youll already have a recycling bin, or two, at home depending on how your council operates. If not, buy a comparmentalised bin, which should have separate areas for waste, paper, bottles etc.

Encourage your kids to learn which household item goes in which bin. If you have more than one child, maybe rotate a recycling monitor on a weekly basis and encourage that child to sort out all the recycling that week. Recycle some of the materials and let the kids make a poster that shows what items go in which bins. Make sure they learn to recognise the recycle logo.

Your kids school is likely to be heavily involved in recycling projects already, but with a little effort, parents can complement this too.

Recycled paper is easily available on the high street but did you know you can buy pens and rulers made from such items as car parts and disposable cups on the internet?

Find out if their school holds a second-hand uniform day or suggest organising one. If you do buy new, dont necessarily go for the cheapest option quality goods will last, all the way to the second-hand sale when your child grows out of them.

Their lunchbox is another area where you can help the environment. Shun snacks that come with excess packaging and probably excess additives in favour of small Tupperware boxes that can be washed and refilled with healthy snacks.