With the prospect of multiple recycling bins per household becoming increasingly likely in the near future, it is more crucial than ever to fully appreciate the importance of recycling and the consequences of not doing it correctly.
If we think of them as the future custodians of our planet, then children need to understand how their actions can impact the environment, why they should be trying to reduce waste and recycle whenever possible. By instilling these values early on, we can help to create a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who are committed to making a positive difference.
Given it is one of the most widely used materials in packaging and also one of the easiest materials to recycle, it makes sense to learn first and foremost how to recycle cardboard correctly and what are the pitfalls to avoid.
When cardboard is recycled incorrectly – i.e. it may contain contaminants such as food waste and other materials – it can end up in landfill. So, how can we ensure that cardboard is being recycled correctly in UK households? We appeal to the young hearts and minds of our nation.
Teaching children about the dangers of recycling incorrectly can help to create a culture of responsible waste management, while spotlighting the heroic role they can play in the preservation of our environment.
The first step is to make recycling a part of everyday life. This can include encouraging children to participate in household recycling programs and teaching them how to sort materials correctly. It is also important to use age-appropriate language and activities to help children understand why recycling is important and how their actions can make a difference.
The next step is to understand how to recycle properly. We’ve already mentioned that cardboard should be free of contaminants and food waste for it to be recycled, but flattening it is also crucial. By fitting more discarded carboard into the recycling bin, we’re avoiding unnecessary journeys for our local bin lorries.
Additionally, if both children and grown-ups are willing to take their commitment towards recycling to the next level, then we need to be prepared for the possibility of multiple recycling bins per household. A few extra minutes spent on the kerbside sorting our recycling into relevant bins will improve the quality of the materials – including cardboard – and lead to higher recycling rates.
And finally, getting children to repurpose cardboard for arts and crafts is a great way appreciate the material for both its entertaining and environmentally friendly qualities, which is why this month Beyond the Box is hosting a competition with The Creation Station that asks children to craft a story with characters made from cardboard, before sharing their creations on social media.
In conclusion, it essential that we take the time to educate ourselves about the importance of recycling cardboard so that we can teach our children all about becoming a more sustainable-oriented society. By instilling these values early on, we can encourage children to become responsible global citizens who understand the importance of taking care of the planet.
Want to take part in Beyond Box and Creation Station’s competition and win some prizes? All you have to do is post pictures of your cardboard creations to social media using the hashtag #choosecardboard and tagging both Beyond the Box and Creation Station – deadline is 31st May!