Waste is defined as something that is unwanted or unusable. According to the Office of National Statistics, a staggering 342m tonnes of waste is produced in the UK each year. Instead of going to landfill sites to be buried or burnt, a vast proportion of this waste could be cut using the following steps:
Reduce – change manufacturing processes so that less materials are used or change consumer habits so that less wasted material is bought
Reuse – choose goods and products that can be used again and reuse rubbish for other purposes
Recycle – make sure that waste is processed and made into another product wherever possible. Composting is also recycling: the nutrients in organic waste are processed and returned to the soil to help more plants to grow
Reducing your waste
Any building or environment where people live or work will produce a certain amount of waste, and children’s centres are no exception. Reducing waste may involve taking an in-depth look at the types of resources your centre buys and considering ways of cutting down. There are numerous ways a children’s centre can reduce the amount of waste produced and handle waste in a more environmentally friendly way. Does the centre recycle and, if so, what types of waste do you recycle? Could you recycle more or re-use materials such as paper and yoghurt pots? Instead of paying companies to remove your waste, by recycling it you will save money in the long-term as you won’t need to pay contractors to take it away. You may also be able to sell some of your metal and glass to companies who can recycle it.
Ensure that paper recycling bins are placed in every classroom and discuss with the children what they are and why they are needed. Encourage children to use both sides of paper and when they’re finished to use the recycling bins.
Composting is a great way of disposing of food waste in an environmentally friendly way. Place compost bins around the centre grounds and ask the children to help empty the food into the bins. Children could then draw pictures of the different foods which are composted. Ask children to look into their lunch box and identify what waste can be composted and what can’t. Explain how certain items such as yoghurt pots can be re-used to make paint pots etc.
Visit our Resources & Links to download a Rupert Bear themed waste dot to dot activity. This section also provides details of organisations that will be able to help your centre tackle the waste topic.