Repurpose Packaging
Some packaging can be saved and repurposed to make new things. So rather than buying new supplies for your classroom, you could try making your own. For example, egg cartons can store arts and crafts items. Or, a yogurt container can be used as a crayon holder. Or, why not use old handwash containers as paint dispensers to avoid spillages and students pouring out more than they need? The possibilities are endless!
Use Recycled Materials For Art Projects
Reusing materials in the classroom for something creative can be a great and easy way to show your child how to reduce waste. In addition, repurposed materials can do great art projects for your class to encourage children to get creative. For example, your pupils can clean plastic water bottles to make vases, pencil holders, sculptures, or musical instruments.
Make Recycle Bins Easily Accessible
Giving a class its own set of waste and recycling bins can help encourage everyone to recycle more, making it easier by making it a simple task. Clearly labeled containers throughout your school is a simple way to encourage children and adults to follow a whole school recycling program and dispose of their rubbish correctly.
Ditch Single-Use Waste
The best way to manage our waste is not to produce it in the first place. Often, single-use plastic can be replaced with non-plastic alternatives. For example, choose reusable materials for school events or class parties. You can also try to ditch the laminator wherever you can and instead choose plastic-free displays. Or, place cards or paper displays in reusable plastic pockets for temporary protection instead.
Minimize Paper Waste
Schools use a lot of paper daily and often can’t be helped, but there are ways to make your practices more eco-friendly. Before printing, consider if the task needs to be printed. One of the easiest changes you can make to reduce paper waste is replacing some paper forms with digital ones. There are also obvious options for printing on both sides, in black and white, etc.
Designate a Drawer for Scrap Paper
Scrap paper can be used again for rough drafts, notes, spelling tests, and more. If students have a piece of paper that hasn’t been used on the back, have them put it in a container to use again.
Have a designated draw for the colored or cut paper to ensure that it can be used for artworks and crafts such as papier-mache projects or to make mosaics later.
Eco-Friendly Lunches
Encourage waste-free lunches by cutting down on food packaging and single-use and disposable items. Ask your class to bring their lunches in reusable snack boxes and eliminate plastic bottles and cartons going in the bin with reusable water bottles
Ensure you encourage them to prevent excessive packaging, such as foil-wrapped sandwiches and cling film-wrapped fruit, if possible.
Designate a Drawer for Scrap Paper
Scrap paper can be used again for rough drafts, notes, spelling tests, and more. If students have a piece of paper that hasn’t been used on the back, have them put it in a container to use again.
Have a designated draw for the colored or cut paper to ensure that it can be used for artworks and crafts such as papier-mache projects or to make mosaics later.
Eco-Friendly Lunches
Encourage waste-free lunches by cutting down on food packaging and single-use and disposable items. Ask your class to bring their lunches in reusable snack boxes and eliminate plastic bottles and cartons going in the bin with reusable water bottles
Ensure you encourage them to prevent excessive packaging, such as foil-wrapped sandwiches and cling film-wrapped fruit, if possible.
