Kids love to be involved in just about any project the rest of the family is doing and recycling is one of those projects that kids can really get on board with. If we begin by explaining why we recycle their little hearts will be thrilled to help. Teaching kids how leftover paper, plastic, cans, and glass can hurt animals allows them to feel good about protecting forest and marine life from being hurt by our waste.
Snappy containers are also something kids seem to enjoy. They like systems and like knowing the rules. When we explain that paper goes in the blue container and plastic goes in the green one, we make it easy for them to make decisions on their own without needing help from a grown up. Of course, there will be errors but over time they will become more consistent and some even become champions of the family recyling efforts.
There are several good books for explaining all about recycling and why it is important. You can find them on Amazon.com:
Don’t Throw That Away!: A Lift-the-Flap Book about Recycling and Reusing
Fancy Nancy: Every Day Is Earth Day (I Can Read Book 1)
Michael Recycle
Visiting a recycling center is another good way to help them realize how much waste there is to be recycled and show them where things go once they leave your house. Kids love to see the whole process and this helps make learning fun.
You can find more tips about teaching them the ropes at: http://www.babble.com/home/fun-ways-to-teach-the-kids-about-recycling-in-the-home/