Use three cardboard boxes or plastic tubs to keep the recycled items. There should be one for glass, paper, plastic, and aluminum cans. Let your child label the front of each container. Sorting is a great life skill. It comes in handy for everything from laundry and groceries to taking care of bills.
Pop Can Math Skills
This is a simple way to earn a little extra cash while caring for the environment. Add some math skills to the task. Have your child keep a chart of the amount of money earned each time he turns in the cans. Is he saving for something special to buy? Each time he turns in a new batch of cans have him add his total so far. Then have him subtract it from the amount needed to purchase the item. How much more money is needed?
Newspaper Option for Community Service
Newspapers seem to multiply. Encourage your child to collect used newspapers from your neighborhood. Then help him prepare them for recycling pick up or drop them off at a community recycling container.
Reused Snack Container Art
Help your child save and wash used snack containers. Pass them on to a children’s camp, day care, senior citizen center, or vacation Bible school for crafts.
Practice Family Recycling
Explain what kind of items can be picked up for recycling. See if your family typically fills the recycling tub. If not, encourage your child to challenge your family to do so next week.
Garage Sales Offer Summer Fun Money
Decide on something that you would like to do for fun. As you and your child clean out closets, the garage, and toy boxes have him label the items for a garage sale. If your child is old enough, let him make change for the purchases made at the sale. Let your child count the profits. Is there enough to pay for the activity goal?
Charity Donations Build Character
Help your child sort through his closet. Which clothing no longer fits? Have him help you bag it up for a charity.
Recycling and reusing are obviously worthwhile life skills. Your child will be taking care of the environment and practicing other life skills such as money management, goal setting, and community service as well. If he or she is a member of a scout group or other youth organization check into the possibility of this counting towards a badge as well.
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