Be a Recycling Hero

Imagine our planet as a big, cozy home.

When we throw too much garbage in our landfills, it's like leaving dirty dishes all over the house. Not only is this smelly, but some garbage contains chemicals that can leak into the ground and water. It's like spilling a sticky drink on the floor – except these chemicals can hurt plants, animals and even people!

A Recycling Hero is dedicated to reducing waste and ensuring it is disposed of properly, so our home stays clean, healthy and happy.

As a Recycling Hero, you have the power to transform your homes, schools and communities for the better. While it's important to dispose of waste properly, it's even more important to not create as much in the first place.

Here are some ways you can reduce waste at home and at school:

School

• Use recycled materials for art projects.
• Set up a designated drawer for scrap paper that students can use for drawing, note-taking and other projects.
• If you bring your lunch to school, package it in reusable containers instead of disposable ones. Carry food in reusable plastic or cloth bags and bring drinks in a thermos instead of disposable bottles or cartons. Remember to recycle your cans and bottles after eating.
• Use digital resources when possible (like electronic assignments and online textbooks).

Home

• Replace disposable items with reusable ones. For example, use cloth towels instead of paper.
• Use old jars to store small items like buttons, beads or crayons.
• Make a “no flyers” sign to reduce junk mail deliveries and cancel the newspaper while on holidays. Switch from paper bills to online.

After thinking about ways to reduce waste, here are some more ways you can be a Recycling Hero:

At home: set up recycling and compost stations! Learn what can be composted and recycled, and what should be tossed in the garbage. Your keen eye ensures everything reaches its proper destination.

At school: start a recycling club with your teacher! Together, you can reduce waste and inspire others. Organize a fun recycling challenge.

In your community: be a hero by picking up litter and disposing of it properly. Pledge to reduce waste and inspire others to do the same.

Remember, Recycling Heroes, you're not just saving the planet – you're inspiring others to do the same. Every small action counts!

For more ideas on how you can be a Recycling Hero, visit Make the Garbage Your Last Resort.

A healthy environment benefits everyone. By ensuring waste gets to the right place, you can:

• Prevent pollution;
• Conserve natural resources;
• Save energy; and
• Reduce the need for disposal.

Be a Recycling Hero and make a difference in your environment – and the environment of the future!

Most materials can be recycled – the key is knowing what goes where! Good thing there is a handy tool from our friends at the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.

Visit their Waste Reduction Hub to find out the recycling options in your community.

Check out what local Recycling Heroes are up to in your community!

Know of a Recycling Hero or are one yourself? Share your recycling adventures on social media by using the hashtag #SKRecyclingHero!

Test your Recycling Hero knowledge with this short quiz:

Take this short quiz