Small recycling habits can make a big difference, and children are often the most eager change-makers. Learn some fun facts about recycling.
We share more about the importance of recycling and some fun facts children might not know.
protecting the planet
Recycling might sound like something only adults do, but children can be some of the biggest heroes in protecting the planet. We remind South Africans, especially parents, that small actions can have a big impact. We all need to demonstrate our love for our natural environment and preserve it by being eco-friendly.
Recycling may seem like a simple task, but it plays a powerful role in saving energy, reducing waste and protecting the environment for future generations.
Read more about being eco-friendly.
start them early
Children are natural change-makers. When they learn about recycling from an early age, they’re more likely to carry those habits into adulthood. By putting their juice or milk cartons into the right bin, children are already helping to create a cleaner, greener world.
“Recycling is not just about waste; it’s about turning what we no longer use into something new and valuable. By starting these habits young, children grow up with an understanding that caring for the environment is both fun and important,” explains Masale Manoko, head of sustainability for Sub-Saharan Africa at Tetra Pak.
Find some ways to get your children to recycle.
five fun facts to know
To show just how exciting recycling can be, here are five cool things your children may not know about recycling:
1. Recycling saves lots of energy
Recycling just one aluminium tin can save enough energy to power a TV for three hours. Imagine how much energy your children can save if they recycle their juice and milk cartons every day!
2. Old things can become new things
A used carton doesn’t just disappear. It can be recycled into paper, notebooks, boxes or even school desks. Recycling gives everyday items a second life.
3. Recycling helps animals
When people recycle, there is less of an environmental impact and less waste ends up in rivers and oceans. That means more trees for birds to build nests and cleaner water for dolphins to play in.
4. Recycling is science in action
Special machines can separate paper, plastic and aluminium from cartons. The fibres are cleaned and reused, while the other materials can be turned into new products. It’s science and technology working together like magic!
5. Upcycling is a form of recycling
Upcycling is a form of recycling, but with an important difference. Recycling usually breaks materials down (for example, melting plastic, pulping paper and smelting metal) so they can be made into new raw materials.
Upcycling, on the other hand, takes used items and repurposes them into something of higher value or better quality, without breaking them down completely. For example, recycling a glass bottle involves turning it back into raw glass for manufacturing. Upcycling a glass bottle can mean turning it into a lamp or decorative vase.
Read more about upcycling to help the planet.
small actions, big impact
Children can make a difference, and parents should reinforce what is taught at school about protecting the environment.
“Small actions, such as putting a carton in the recycling bin or turning recyclables into fun art projects, add up to a big impact for our planet,” adds Manoko. “By learning about recycling early, children become the change-makers who will shape a more sustainable future.”
