Students conduct a garbage and recyclables audit as a first step in improving recycling habits. Students will become aware of what they put into the waste stream and how they can change their habits. Students will be encouraged to improve their recycling habits by conducting a garbage and recyclables audit. Materials needed: Ten empty paper bags, rubber gloves, weight scale (optional), and copies of “Be a Garbage Gumshoe” investigation activity sheet.
Students will learn how they can take one more step with recycling, and also learn more about nature’s version of recycling. Materials needed: Container for bin, hand rake or trowel for burying food waste, red worms, newspaper, leaves and/or cardboard, and soil. See “tips” for each procedure.
Students characterize the volume of paper that the class throws away. They will decide how to reduce their paper waste, then implement their plan. Students will discover that reducing waste is the first and most important step in solving the solid waste problem.
Students will understand how they and their families can make buying choices that help reduce the waste stream. Students will discover packaging choices available for grocery products by researching a local store’s groceries, and then sharing their lists of items that have the least wasteful packaging.
Get ideas for reusing and reducing waste throughout the year. The poster includes ideas for activities and materials needed in the classroom for each month of the school year, from September to June.
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