You may not be aware, but Ireland is in a state of plastic overuse and our recycling efforts to date have been less than impressive but as plans come into force to reduce waste we need to teach our children about the issues too. Straws are being banned in certain outlets and for good reason too as they are piling up in our oceans.
You may not be aware, but Ireland is in a state of plastic overuse and our recycling efforts to date have been less than impressive but as plans come into force to reduce waste we need to teach our children about the issues too. Straws are being banned in certain outlets and for good reason too as they are piling up in our oceans. Children are the next generation so by teaching them about recycling and plastics it means Ireland can be a much more environmentally friendly place in the future and hit its recycling targets. Here are some tips on including children in recycling and the use of plastics in the home and when out and about:
- Talk to your kids. Firstly, from the time your kiddies can walk you should chat with them about recycling and show them how all the family recycles. Most refuse companies send out handy leaflets on recycling but if you haven’t got one go online and print it off. Put it somewhere your child can see it and colour code your bins, so they become aware of the recycling process. Labelling your different bins is a good idea too to avoid mix-ups.
- Teach them. Teach your kid about hard plastics, cans, cardboard and other items that can be recycled in the “paper bin” and then move on to what can’t go in that bin like soft plastics or dirty items. Show your child how to swiftly rinse out tins and cans etc. but if your kids are too young consider another bin acting as a funnel to rinsing out and drying off before entering the recycle bin. Remind your kiddies about brown bin basics and encourage them to throw any food into it if it isn’t covered in plastic or glass.
- Be a good role model. Kids will not learn unless you work to improve your recycling in the home and you should act accordingly. Don’t get into bad habits when tired by throwing tins in the regular bin instead leave it aside until you are ready to clean and dry it out. Get used to bashing down the boxes and folding them into your recycle bin. Use bottle bins in shopping centres unless you have a glass bin at home and be strict about separating such items to avoid confusion at the bottle bin.
- Do it at home and when out. There is no point in being environmentally friendly when at home but then when out and about tossing things on the ground or throwing items into the wrong bins. Instead, bring rubbish home so you can recycle it and reduce your waste Tell the kids to bring items home too and unless there is allocated bins in areas they shouldn’t throw things on the ground.
- Teach your kids to take pride in their environment as taking care of our surroundings is important. The world we live in is becoming consumed by rubbish and by doing our best to reduce it, it will add up over time. Furthermore, your child will learn to be recycling geniuses under your supervision.
Written by Emma Hayes staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.emmamadjotters.com.
