Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Children can become young recycling heroes
EXPERIENCING the impact of recycling first hand can make the concept have greater meaning.
Without urgent action, global waste will increase by 70% on current levels by 2050, according to the World Bank’s “What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050” report.
The report said the world generates 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste every year and this is expected to increase by nearly 70% to 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050.
Tetra Pak sustainability manager, Masale Manoko, stressed the importance of instilling recycling values in young minds.
“Children naturally possess curiosity and openness to learning about the world they live in. This curiosity can be channelled towards understanding environmental issues, fostering eco-friendly behaviours, and inspiring them to lead in the fight against waste and pollution,” Manoko said.
He added that parents can play a crucial role in shaping their children’s attitudes towards being environmentally responsible and being conscious of recycling. He shares some practical tips for parents to encourage their children to recycle.
* Children learn by observing. Set a positive example by demonstrating recycling habits at home. Make recycling a daily practice in your household – involve them in the process of sorting recyclable materials and explain the environmental benefits of each action.
* Turn recycling into a fun and engaging activity. Create games or challenges that encourage children to participate in recycling efforts. Consider rewarding their contributions with small incentives or praise.
* Engage children in entertaining and interactive educational activities centred on recycling. This could entail watching videos on recycling, visiting recycling facilities, or organising neighbourhood clean-up events. Experiencing the impact of recycling first hand can make the concept have greater meaning and relevance. Foster meaningful discussions with children about the importance of recycling, its implications for the environment and encourage them to explore innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
“By educating children about recycling, we instil in them a sense of responsibility towards the environment. We inspire them to respect the earth and its resources, encouraging them to think about the long-term impact of their actions,” Manoko added.
He said that recently, through a school competition run by Tetra Pak across 22 schools, pupils recycled approximately 270 000 liquid packaging board cartons, which were subsequently sent to Gayatri Paper Mills for recycling, demonstrating that children can contribute as active participants in saving the environment.
With Global Recycling Day this week, it is important to acknowledge the crucial role children play in shaping a sustainable future.
“By equipping them with the knowledge and skills to recycle effectively, we empower them to become stewards of the environment, ensuring a cleaner, greener planet for generations to come,” said Manoko.