Our Plastic-Free Future: Celebrating Global Recycling Day
Global Recycling Day, celebrated on March 18th every year, reminds us of the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling to protect our planet. At Footprints on the Moon, this is an integral part of how camp runs and what we teach the children.
As well as encouraging individuals and communities to rethink their waste habits and commit to a more sustainable future, Global Recycling Day also introduces the possibility of living more harmoniously with nature – something we know lots about!
A Plastic-Free Education
A forest school is perfect setting to encourage children to think about their impact on the planet. Learning in outdoor spaces results in daily hands-on activities like planting trees, building shelters from natural materials, and creating art from found objects. This helps children see first-hand just how well we can thrive without the need for man-made materials.
We’re plastic-free in 3 ways:
No single-use plastics: Simple but effective! This helps drastically reduce our daily waste and demonstrates to the children how we can meet our needs without relying on disposable plastic products.
Sustainable tools: Wooden spoons, metal utensils, reusable water bottles… the list is endless, and helps teach children the importance of making choices that contribute to a healthier environment.
Eco-conscious practices: Our educators lead by example! We involve the children in our recycling practices, explain why they’re needed, and model how to properly dispose of waste, compost organic materials, and repurpose found objects.
How Parents and Carers Can Support Children
Through fun, interactive activities, children can transfer their skills learnt at Footprints on the Moon to their home and family life. Parents and carers can:
Sort waste properly: Teach children the difference between recyclable, compostable, and non-recyclable materials.
Repurpose everyday items: Turn items that might otherwise be discarded into useful tools or artistic projects.
Engage in local recycling programs: Work with parents and the wider community to set up recycling initiatives and encourage others to take part.
By eliminating plastic, children not only help reduce their environmental footprint but also learn the value of sustainability in their day-to-day lives. This eco-conscious mindset sets the foundation for a future where recycling and reusing are second nature!
Please ask any of our educators for advice if you’d like to know more about recycling and how you can get involved.
