Children get Headstart on recycling (From Swindon Advertiser)

Children get Headstart on recycling

9:13am Wednesday 29th November 2006

• Print
• Email
• Share

CHILDREN who haven't even started school have been learning about what happens to their rubbish.

The three and four-year-olds at Headstart Nursery in the Robert Le Kyng Children's Centre enjoyed a visit from three binmen.

The youngsters had the chance to sort recyclable rubbish into different sections of the truck.

Jo Midwinter, the deputy manager of the nursery, said: "Our topic is about recycling and where it goes, so it was good for them to see what happens to the rubbish when it's collected.

"Last week a man from Swindon Council brought recycling boxes, so they could learn about sorting their plastic, paper and other rubbish."

Taking a leaf from the Advertiser's Time To Change campaign, the children had been finding ways to save the world when they are older.

Our campaign aims to get people thinking about ways to reduce climate change.

Children have learnt to sort the rubbish they produce and save containers and cardboard to reuse in the classroom.

The green-thinking youngsters made good use of old yoghurt pots, washing-up liquid bottles and other packaging with their junk modelling.

The members of the class even made musical instruments, like maracas, from containers they collected.

"Lots of the children see their parents recycling at home, and it helps explain why we do it to see the whole process," said Jo.

"It is something they can go home and help mummy and daddy with.

It is good to encourage them to get into good recycling habits at an early age."

Swindon Council aims to reduce the town's carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent by 2010.

By helping the children understand the importance of recycling at a young age it is hoped they will grow up with more environmentally-friendly views.

And the hope is that they will also take the eco-friendly message home to their parents.

• Print
• Email
• Share