Recycle Week 2021

Do something drastic and cut the plastic: Recycle Week is here! Wondering why you should recycle? Recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste that gets sent to landfill. When rubbish rots in landfill, it emits toxins into the ground and soil which creates greenhouse gases like methane - a huge contributor to global warming.

When Did Recycle Week Begin?

Recycle Week was established by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) as part of their Recycle Now campaign and is an annual event celebrating recycling. Now in its 18th year, it's the one week of the year where everyone - brands, retailers, governments & waste management companies - all come together to encourage the Great British public to recycle.

Step It Up

This year's Recycle Week theme is Step It Up This Recycle Week which seeks to encourage people to 'step up' and combat the Climate Crisis. COVID-19 put a halt to the world and took away a lot of our control, but recycling is one of the things we can control.

Climate change is something we can actively do something about every day. Most of us already do so by recycling, but we still need to keep working together. The aim is to get everyone to step it up this Recycle Week and help stop climate change.

How To Get Kids Recycling

Sorting out your recycling when you've got little ones can seem like a mean feat but it's something the whole family can get stuck into. Here are some ideas to make recycling for kids easy-peasy...

1. Make Bins Accessible

In order for children to recycle, make the bins within easy reach for them to get to. Explain what goes into what bin and what the different coloured bins mean. Kids enjoy having responsibility and collecting plastic bottles or paper can make them feel like a grown-up! Why not add a small bin to your child's Play Shop or Play Kitchen so they include it during imaginary play sessions?

2. Early Learning

Start teaching your little ones from a young age about the importance of recycling and sustainability. Chat about why we recycle and ask things such as "where has the recycling truck gone?" "Where do the plastic bottles go?". Kids often learn a lot from reading, so a recycling book is a good place to continue on those recycling conversations.

Also, consider introducing kids to sustainable toys and toys that promote recycling. Our Green Toys Recycle Truck is made from 100% recycled plastic and teaches little learners about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling. The moveable recycling bed means youngsters can put their own "rubbish" in to recycle. Contains zero BPA, PVC, phthalates or external coatings.

3. Get Creative

What other uses can you find for recyclable materials? Before you chuck them out, why not use them for DIY projects? If you have any loose cardboard lying around, use one of our Makedo kids tool sets to make a giant cardboard castle! You can check out more cardboard construction ideas here.

4. Recycling Rewards

When you've done your good deeds for the environment, give yourselves a reward! When you've collected a certain number of items, set up a family Reward Chart and choose a special treat. Make it a family competition for even more fun.

How To Take Part In Recycle Week

Introduce your family to Recycle Week with activities such as:

• Recycling quizzes
• "I spy" game when sorting the recycling
• Design a recycling poster
• Recycling treasure hunt
• Recycling sorting activities

Sustainable Toys & Gifts

Celebrate Recycle Week with our range of affordable sustainable toys and gifts. For recycled toys, we recommend Green Toys. For sustainable toys, check out our FSC Certified Toys and Silicone Toys.