Celebrating Earth day, April 22, is a great way to introduce children to recycling at home.  Recycling bins, compost heaps, and reusing items can help even busy moms show her children how to help the planet.  Introducing recycling to children at a young age will teach them good recycling habits which can be used throughout life.

Plastic storage containers can be used as recycling bins.  They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.  Get one storage container for each item the family will recycle such as plastic, paper and cans.  Label the containers so each family member knows where the recyclables go.  Use pictures in the labels to help younger children who do not read to know where items go so they can play a key role in the family recycle.  Colored containers can help little ones by using a different color for each type of recyclable.

Compost heaps are a way to recycle organic materials such as discarded food, leaves and other yard trimmings.  Compost heaps can be made in any size.  Larger ones are better kept outdoors.  Use a reusable plastic container to collect food scraps in the house.  Empty the container into the outdoor heap when needed.  Kids can help by filling or emptying the containers.  When the compost is ready have the children help plant vegetable or flower gardens using the compost as a natural fertilizer showing the kids how their hard work paid off.

Reusing items whenever possible is a way to teach children conservation.  Use dinner plates instead of paper plates to cut down on paper product use helping to preserve trees.  Plastic water bottles can be replaced with reusable bottles which can be washed and refilled.  Teaching kids to turn the water off when brushing teeth is an easy way to save water.

Take the children to the community recycling center to drop off the recyclables when containers get full.  Older kids can help empty the containers into the bins. Recycling is a great way to show kids how to help the environment.  It can be done at home and doesn’t take much time to initially set up.  Each family member can be a part of the recycling project.  Celebrate Earth Day by spending time with family, plant a tree and start a family recycling project.  Big or small, a recycling project is a great way for the family to help save the planet.