National Recycling Week is coming up! This means it is time to hone in on what we can do to contribute to sustainability and a happy, healthy planet. From November 8 until November 14, let’s all get involved!

Sustainability is really important to us and we think it should be to everyone. The Bonkers Beat programs have a focus on sustainability and showing children how to take care of the planet, as well as each other.

This is also a focus area for the National Quality Standard, with Element 3.2.3 of the NQS stating: The service cares for the environment and supports children to become environmentally responsible.

This year is National Recycling Week’s 25th anniversary, and the theme is Celebrate National Recycling Week YOUR way!

There are so many things we can do to make a difference, and help children to continue to care for the planet as they grow. The National Recycling Week website has an entire section dedicated to education. It includes posters, recycling guides, mythbusters and more. Head to the Kids page and you can register your service or school to get a participation certificate, to show just how committed you are to a sustainable future. Plus, you’ll find lesson plans and activities to keep your learning fun.

When we consider recycling, it’s not just about using the recycle bin properly. Here are a few top tips to remind everyone how we can contribute to caring for Earth:

Reduce

•         Buy your fruit and veggies  unwrapped.
•         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?!

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  items that are made from recycled materials.

Reusing

•         Buy second hand items 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,  vegetables and shopping bags.
•         Check out Planet Ark’s awesome list of how to reuse items in ways you might not have thought of!

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’ songs – ‘Bonkers Rap’! Click here to listen and share with children at your centre!