Earth Day Project

As long as the lid is shut, we get fewer accidental trash
 in our recycling can from guests.

Would Earth Day be complete without a lesson in recycling? Recycling is so fundamental and fun... a great project for Preschoolers.

The goal of this project was to teach the kids about recycling. Teach them to recognize symbols ( a great building block to reading). And to give them a hands on job they can do around the house. This builds independence and confidence, as well as hones their sorting and grouping skills. And not to mention... help save the planet! Basically creating mini super heroes!

1. I started by printing out symbols for our recycling bins and trash can. I also printed out the recycling sorting guide from our curb side pick up company. This acts as a great reference for what the local rules are. If you try to recycle something they are not equipped for, it makes their process less efficient... and more expensive for us in the long run.

The sorting reference guide on our can has really helped us remember what is recyclable and what is not. 

2. I washed up our trash cans and let them dry. (The kids helped spray with vinegar water and scrub)

3. After the cans were dry. I cut out the symbols and applied them to the cans with contact paper.

Our curb side recycling pick up does not take class. We needed a separate container
 so we could take our glass to the recycling center.

4. Then we put them to use. I gave the girls a lesson about what kind of garbage goes in each of the cans. We also talked and read stories about the importance of recycling.