Reduce. Reuse. Recycle!
Learning How to Protect our Environment

Keeping our environment healthy is very important.
 
Did you know that California has more than 36 million people and everyday each of us throws away about 6lbs of trash? As you can imagine, this adds up to a lot of garbage! What items do you place in the trash everyday? Where do they go? Is there a way for you to make a difference?
 
Learn how you can help keep our earth healthy and green. Remember, trash isn't always garbage. Often items can be reused, reduced or recycled to help the environment.  By practicing the 3R's regularly, you are making a big difference!

Reducing - Reducing means cutting down on the amount of garbage or trash that is made.
The best way to reduce is to only buy items you really need. Check out our fun facts on reducing.

Reusing – Reuse means using something again rather than throwing it out. That usually means finding a new use, such as making a jelly jar into a drinking glass. Check out our fun facts on reuse.

Recycling - Recycling takes materials from items you have finished using and makes them into brand new products. For example, most aluminum cans are made with recycled aluminum. So if you drink juice from a can, recycle that can instead of throwing it in the trash. That can will then stay in the recycling loop.

FUN FACTS
You can REDUCE …

• Do you always finish what's on your plate? Place smaller amounts of food on your plate or have leftovers. Food doesn't need to go in the garbage.
• Did you know you don't have to throw away leaves or grass clippings? Have fun and start your own garden. Compost is good for plants and trees around the neighborhood.
• You know how you can reduce your use? You can ask your mom to make you a "no-waste lunch," which is a meal that does not end up in the trash. Bonus points: put it in a reusable container to carry to school – not a plastic bag.
• Carpool! You, your family, and friends can reduce the use of oil AND reduce air pollution by sharing rides.

And REUSE…

• Did you know that 2.5 million plastic water bottles are reused everyday? Make sure to recycle your water bottles or reuse them by filling them up with water from your home.
• Did you know that 41 million tires are thrown away in California every year? That's 6 million tons of rubber that can be used to repave roads! You can help your parents remember to check their tire pressure each month so they last longer.
• Did you know plastic bags, coffee cans, and wrapping paper can be reused? Think about all the items in your home. Which ones can you reuse?
• Reuse plastic food containers such as margarine tubs. They’re strong enough to be used several times, and they’re great for leftovers!

Even RECYCLE …

• Did you know that you can recycle electronic items in your home? Take your old DVD Player, TV and computer to a collector or recycling center near your home.
• Did you know you can earn money for recycling soda cans and plastic bottles? Recycling is another way you can earn an allowance!
• You know you can recycle more of your things than you thought? Your computer, printer, and video games can all be recycled – same with the batteries that are inside your electronic toys.
• One gallon of used motor oil can ruin 1,000,000 gallons of drinking water. Please have your parents recycle their used motor oil.