National Recycling Week kicked off on Monday, running through until Sunday 17 November and we encourage everyone to get involved!
There are so many things we can do to educate children on how to care for the planet and for us all to make a difference. 
Bonkers the Monkey is passionate about the planet and to help you get motivated for National Recycling Week, we’d love to share with you one of the most popular Bonkers Beat songs – ‘Bonkers Rap’! Click here to access. 
When it comes to recycling, centres can take action to tackle three main categories recycling (great), reusing (even better), and reducing (the best!). If it is all a bit overwhelming, why not choose one new recycling strategy for your centre to focus on. Even small steps can create a change. 
Here are some top tips on how to approach each category:
Recycling

• Know what can be recycled and how to properly go about it. This guide can help.
• Check the package for recycling information.
• Create a compost at your centre (and at home!)
• Recycle soft plastics at supermarkets. Learn more here.
• Buy back items that are made from recycled materials.

Reusing

• Buy secondhand where possible. Clothes, shoes, toys, games, books, electronics – you would be amazed at the high-quality next-to-new items available via secondhand sellers.
• Use reusable drink bottles, coffee cups and food containers.
• Freeze leftover food.
• Donate unwanted edible food.
• Get reusable fruit and vegetable and shopping bags.
• Check out Planet Ark’s awesome list of how to reuse items in ways you might not have thought of!

Reduce

• Buy your fruit and veggies naked.
• Avoid purchasing items with excess or unnecessary packaging.
• Rethink buying single-use items.
• Get items repaired instead of replacing.
• Check your pantry, fridge or wardrobe before shopping.
• Be honest with yourself – do you really need that new item or is there a better way of fulfilling this need?!

Involve your greater community in your recycling actions, get your centre amongst local events and contribute positively to creating a healthier, sustainable planet for us all to enjoy!
To gain some inspiration for creating recycled masterpieces, take a look at our photos from earlier this year.  It was also a great way to get the community involved by requesting donations!