In today’s growing world more and more destruction of
our natural resources is occurring due to a lack of understanding or
perhaps to a lack of caring. Society teaches our children that we live
in a throw-away society and throw-away we do; mops, dust rags, bibs,
diapers, razors, coffee mugs, you name it! Yet, the convenience of disposable
products has not only reduced available resources, but it has also caused
enormous waste surpluses and serious disposal problems..
The materials we purchase today will either contribute
to the waste problem, or help to reduce it. One way to promote more
responsible choice making by consumers is to educate all people, particularly
children, about the importance of recycling and buying recycled and
recyclable products.
Many
resources are available to those who would like to learn more about
recycling. Listed below are some publications from the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) that may be of some interest to you and your
students. Multiple copies can be obtained free of charge by calling
1-800-424-9346 or can be downloaded from the EPA web site. http://www.epa.gov
- Adventures of the Garbage Gremlin (comic book), 530/SW-90-024
- Lets Reduce and Recycle: Curriculum for Solid Waste Awareness, 530/SW-90-005
- Ride the Wave of The Future: Recycle Today! (poster) 530/SW-90-010
- School Recycling Program: A Handbook for Educators, 530/SW-90-02
For
lesson plans on recycling grades K-12 visit the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection.
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/ Click on Teachers and Kids.
In
an effort to more broadly promote its conservation messages, the TCSD
recently developed a free lending library program for local families
and schools. Over twenty educational resources are now available, consisting
of both books and videos that address a variety of resource protection
issues, from water quality and conservation, to recycling, organic gardening
and environmental stewardship. 