Waste Reduction & Recycling

Green Schools Challenge Activities:

• Community Building (Pre-K through 1st grade) - Planet Protectors

• Hands On Learning (2nd through 3rd grade) - Recycle Right! Becoming Recycling Detectives 

• Lab Activity (4th through 5th grade) - Sort It Out: The Classroom Waste Challenge! 

• Create Your Own (Pre-K through 5th grade) - Submit Lesson Plan click here   or utilize a previous lesson created by DIG from our Lesson Library.

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Schools can choose to do more than one activity but maximum amount of points a school can earn for this topic is the same. Points for participation will be based on a rubric. Download here.

Waste Reduction & Recycling Activity Submission Form Click Here

What's the problem?

Each year the United States generates over 292 million tons of waste. Those amounts of waste put a huge strain on the waste disposal systems and  if not done properly serious consequences for the environment and public health can occur. Often people try to recycle by putting nonrecyclable objects in recycle bins, causing the recycling system to become contaminated. Additionally, waste management infrastructures contribute to pollution and damage to ecosystems, due to limits of capacity and efficiency. 

Why should we care?

Proper waste management keeps the environment clean, reduces pollution, and protects the quality of our air and water. Recycling and disposing of waste correctly helps protect public health and reduces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. It also saves resources, creates jobs, and helps build a cleaner, healthier future. 

What can we do?

Before any purchases, think green! Make sure to choose products that last longer and can be recycled, avoid buying trendy “fast fashion” products as these generate massive amounts of waste and pollution, and make sure to try and buy products made of recycled materials. Make sure to recycle the right way, donate items you no longer use, and only buy the food you need to reduce food waste. One great way to make sure you recycle correctly is by using Recyclepedia, which works as an online guide to avoid accidentally recycling products that can’t be recycled.