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Benefits of Recycling Plastic
As you teach your kids proper recycling techniques, highlight the different benefits from the process. Many important benefits come from recycling plastics in particular. Just one plastic bottle takes between 100 and 400 years to break down in a landfill, so recycling can prevent excessive landfill buildup. Recycling plastics also helps to reduce air pollution from production of a new plastic item and it helps to conserve oil which is used in the production of plastics. In fact, for every ton of plastic recycled, we conserve enough energy to support two people for a year, enough water to support one person for two months and nearly 2,000 gallons of oil.
Ways to Recycle Plastic
Show your kids what falls into the category of a recyclable plastic and differentiate these from other recyclable items in your home. Teach them to rinse the plastic containers before attempting to recycle them. Set up different receptacles for each type of recyclable using simple containers like brown paper bags. Label each container clearly to avoid mix-ups. If you do not have a recycling service in your neighborhood, take them to your local recycling center.
Uses for Recycled Plastic
People come up with new and creative uses for plastic every day. Encourage your kids to come up with innovative projects to re-use plastic containers and other recyclable items. One idea is to turn plastic water bottles and jugs or detergent containers into watering cans for your plants. Allow your kids to decorate the bottles with paints or markers to personalize them; your kids will take pride in their creations and will most likely be eager to help with the household watering. You could also turn some old plastic containers into feeding stations for birds or you could use some small, empty plastic bottles as handles for a homemade jump rope. Keep your kids brainstorming and you'll come up with many creative uses for the plastics around your home.