Practice proper sorting of different waste types including compostable, recyclable, and garbage materials

PURPOSE

Describe how our ecosystems are affected by different types of waste
Describe alternative methods of disposal.
Distinguish between wastes that are readily biodegradable and those are not.
Identify methods of waste disposal currently used within the local community.
Identify ways in which materials can be reused or recycled.

GRADE LEVELS

3-6

SUBJECTS

Science

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Critical thinking

Problem Solving

Collaboration

MATERIALS NEEDED

Large tarp or blanket

Numerous different types of waste from compostable, recyclable, to garbage materials
E.g. plastic bags, cardboard boxes, clothing, food items, magazines, etc.

TIME

20 minutes

Instructions

Lay down a tarp or blanket… this is your river!

Dump all the garbage in the river… that’s no good! It’s time to clean up the river!

Talk about why littering is not good for our rivers and create water and soil pollution

Part 1

Sort items that are biodegradable and non-biodegradable
Biodegradable refers to a product breaking down into natural elements
Note that some plastic bag say they are biodegradable… this is not true since the plastic bag breaks into smaller and more toxic plastic pieces and are not necessarily broken down into natural elements

Part 2

Now from the biodegradable side of things… what disposal bin do they belong to? Green, blue, or black!
Not sure? Try this link: City of Calgary - What Goes Where
Now from the non-biodegradable side of things… what disposal bin do they belong to? Green, blue, or black!

Part 3

Explain that even if we can compost and recycle… that may not be the best things to do! Recycling and composting still require energy to dispose, which is harder on the environment in a different way
How can we reduce the number of recyclables, waste, AND compostables? How can we further make a bigger difference?

More Bring Nature Home for Families

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