Recycling is an important way that you can go green and help the environment. The Paper Industry Association Council states that 63.4 percent of paper used in 2009 came from recycled material. Implementing recycling programs into schools helps kids understand the basics of how to reuse items and also gives back to the community. Many businesses reward schools with incentives and cash for recycling materials by awarding them grants or offering prizes to schools that utilize recycling the most.
Types
Schools use a large amount of paper on a daily basis, a combination of both virgin and recycled. Most commonly, white paper is used for taking notes and preparing work in class. Mixed paper, which might be construction paper or colored ink paper, can also be recycled. The North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance states that on average, most schools recycle up to 87 percent of their mixed paper and newspaper. Other types of recycled items include plastic bottles, glass, cans, cardboard and magazines.
Function
Classrooms reuse recyclable items for crafts and educational projects. Mixed colored paper, foam packing peanuts, plastic caps, egg cartons and corrugated cardboard can be turned into collages and educational demonstrations. According to the Mid America Regional Council, you can benefit from recycling by setting up a recycle station at your school. Place recycle bins in classrooms and hallways to accept used paper and cans. In the lunchroom, some schools recycle food items such as coffee grinds and egg shells for the agriculture and science department's compost pile. Schools may institute an area to sort paper, plastic and metals to reduce trash output.
Benefits
Recycling helps eliminate unneeded waste and promotes creativity. Magazines and newspaper ads are essential in many classrooms to create collages and fulfill other art or creative assignments. Recycled materials bring in revenue by support from local merchants who match recycled material amounts with donations. Recycling is a simple way to teach kids about the importance of keeping the earth healthy by reducing greenhouse gases. The Whatcom County Agriculture Page explains the teaching of scientific phases of composting through visual observance of a worm composting bin inside the classroom.
Considerations
Recycling can begin in elementary school. Teach the kids the basic fundamentals of recycling by type to assist with disposal of items. The Paper Industry Association Council website offers a pre-designed curriculum assisting teachers and educators with data and basics about paper recycling. It provides facts such as how a ton of recycled paper frees up more than 3.3 cubic yards of space at a landfill. Teaching kids the basic facts will help them to more easily understand the impact their recycling has on the planet.
Outcome
Setting up a school recycling program creates long-term success. The changes kids make at school may lead to different ways of disposing rubbish and recyclables at home. The St. Charles County Division of Environmental Services (Missouri) website states that implementing posters, research projects, guest speakers, contests and assembly programs helps to educate staff and students. This keeps them all on the same page for recycling. Kids will be drawn in once they know they can see results and make a difference. Saving the rain forest by eliminating less packaging, raising money through can drives and planting a vegetable or flower garden raises self-esteem and eco-awareness.
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