How do you: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle?
Reduce, reuse, recycle are three words reminding us to create less waste and leave a smaller footprint on the earth, for the sake of our children and the world they will inherit.
You may have heard Jack Johnson sing the catchy reduce, reuse, recycle song (apologies for putting that in your head all day!) - perhaps your kids sing it at home? Chances are you already recycle and know the basics around reducing and reusing. Don't worry if you're not 100% sure about how to get good at all three, because we're going to break it down!
Why should you care about the three Rs?
The three R's are three key ways to reduce the 14m tonnes of waste making its way to landfill each year. If we can all reduce, reuse and recycle, we're actively helping the environment. The best thing about these is that they are easy and start small and work your way up! Nobody's asking you to upcycle everything you own. Still, a tiny action today can make a big difference to everyone's tomorrow.
Breaking down the three Rs
Reduce
Means reducing the amount of waste we produce, such as buying less, using less and seeking long-lasting alternatives. We can all work towards making eco-conscious or making greener choices that stop us from wasting materials which go straight to landfill. Reducing the amount of waste you produce is the most effective environmental action an individual can take in fighting global warming - so it’s essential we have the know-how!
Reuse
Upcycling or revamping things you'd throw away, as simple as using old jars for storage, or as fun as using tin cans to make stilts! By reusing and repairing things you might usually throw away, you live longer with the things you have. Giving clothes to friends, family and charity is a great way to help clothes and other items live a second, third and fourth life.
Recycle
Many people don't realise how much of their rubbish can be recycled or how. We love teaching children and schools just how much of your everyday waste can be recycled. Parents and teachers are often surprised how much can be recycled either at home or through the local tip.
Top ways to reduce your waste
Take your own bags to the supermarket
Avoid single-use plastics
Choose foods with minimal or no packaging
Shop at zero-waste shops with your own jars and containers
Replace single-use items with reusable versions, e.g. bottles, cups
Repair broken items instead of replacing them
Fun ways you can reuse your waste
At ECOactive, we love a crafty way to give something already loved a new lease of life. Here are some easy and fun ways to teach children the practice of reusing or upcycling.
1. Kitchen herb garden
The average household uses 600 tin cans each year, so chances are - you have a few in your recycling bin! Turn your shiny tin cans into a miniature herb or succulent garden. These fit perfectly in the window, so you can easily water and care for them. Plus they look adorable in those silver cans.
2. Plastic bottle bowling
Take ten empty bottles; they don't have to be the same size. After washing out any old soft-drink, squirt in some paint - just a few squirts - and a little water. Put the lids on and shake to spread the paint. There you have it - funky coloured bowling pins! You can take the tops off to let the paint dry. And when they are, fill each bottle a quarter-full with sand - just enough to steady them.
Then, get a ball, and let the games begin!
Looking for more reduce, reuse, recycle KS1 themed activities? There are plenty of ideas here on the Recycle-More UK site.
Finally, recycling!
Items that you can’t reuse or pass on to someone else should be recycled - glass, tins, cardboard and many plastics.
If you're struggling to understand how or what to recycle in your area, your local council will have guidance available online. Your community reuse and recycling centre is a mecca for recycling those things you think you can't, like batteries, appliances, carpets, and other materials. (They tend to be pretty helpful if you’re not sure where to throw something too!)
How we champion the three Rs for primary schools
We're incredibly passionate about teaching the reduce, reuse, recycle structure within primary schools. We offer engaging and entertaining lessons for Key Stage 1 & 2 students - helping them to become eco-warriors at home and school. Contact us today for a friendly chat about our programmes for primary schools. We'd love to hear from you.
