Some of the Things You Can do to Help Recycle

Did you know a lot of the things we throw away every day could be recycled (reused) instead of going into our rubbish dumps?  No matter how old you are, there are things you can do to help make our planet a better place by recycling and reusing things instead of throwing them into the rubbish bin!
  

1. Set up cardboard boxes or plastic bins in your porch, basement, or garage to collect the items your community recycles.  Label each box and ask family members to put recyclables into the boxes instead of the rubbish.  You can set up boxes or bins for:  Aluminum Cans, Newspapers, Magazines, and Cardboard just to name a few.  In some cities, you can even earn money by recycling!  For instance, you could take the aluminum cans in to a recycling center and get paid money for every pound of cans you bring in!

2. Create a compost pile in your garden.  If you live in the country, this could be as simple as designating an area for compost, working up the soil in that area, and then dumping waste materials from your kitchen or garden onto that spot.  If you live in the city, you may wish to use an old dustbin for a compost container.  You can punch a few holes in the bottom of the container with a hammer and nail (so any liquid can drain out) and then begin by placing a few inches of dirt into the bottom.  Then you can add waste materials.  Throw in “waste” fruits and vegetables—like potato peelings, apple cores, and old carrots; corn stalks or bean vines and other garden “waste;” grass clippings from your garden; sawdust; coffee grounds (without the filter); shredded newspapers; peanut shells; and even crumbled leaves.  Be sure to place your compost pile in a sunny area, because heat will help turn your “waste” products into a valuable substance you can use to fertilize the soil and nourish plants and flowers.  You will need to stir up or “turn” all of the materials in your compost pile every few days or so, so that it can break down or decompose.

3. Set up a special box in your house where you can place things you don’t want anymore—or clothes that don’t fit.  When your parents buy you new trousers, shoes, or other clothing because you’ve outgrown the old ones, put the ones that are too small into that box.  Do the same thing with your toys.  If you no longer play with a toy or want it, add it to the box.  When the box is full, ask your parents to donate the items to a local charity shop where someone else will be happy to buy them at a reduced price, or you could ask if you can sell them to make a little extra cash yourself!

These are just a few ideas for recycling or reusing items that often get thrown away.  Think about other things you or your family often throw out that could be reused or used by someone else.  How many new ways to recycle can you think of?  Ask your family and friends to help!