that can be undertaken at early learning services to teach children how to re-use or recycle

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1 Enviro Projects There are numerous environmental activities that can be undertaken at early learning services to teach children how to re-use or recycle items that would normally end up in landfill. However we will first look at some projects that can be undertaken with natural resources in order to give children an appreciation of nature. Natural materials can be collected from gardens or handed in by parents. During the activity, the conversation should encourage children to respect natural resources. Natural materials such as leaves, berries and sticks can be collected by children and with some adult assistance - a simple wind chime can be created. If you are located close to a beach then children can be encouraged to collect shells and other natural items that are found at the beach in order to create an interesting display.

2 Even pieces of fruit, leaves and sticks can be put together to create a hanging display.

3 For more delicate projects, natural materials such as eggshells can be used as miniature planters. Note: We understand that some Centres have prohibited egg or egg related products/materials. Using Unwanted Items Projects can also be undertaken using unwanted items that would normally be thrown in the rubbish bin. The important part of the conversation with children is to explain the environmental damage that these items could cause and/or any potential damage to wildlife and animals. Also explain how long these items would take to break down if they were sent to the rubbish dump. Consider using discarded items such as milk cartons and other unwanted items to make planters for plants and herbs that can be used inside and outside your Centre.

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11 Using Plastic Bottles Discarded single use plastic bottles are often found in streets, parks, rivers and oceans particularly in places that do not have a container deposit scheme in place. Plastic bottles can take over 400 years to completely breakdown so it is very important to dispose of plastic bottles sensibly (recycle bins) or put them to good use around your Centre. Once again plastic bottles can be used as indoor/outdoor planters or can be easily turned into bird seed containers for your garden area.

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13 In addition plastic bottles can be used to create interesting games for children. Use bright coloured paint to decorate clear plastic drink bottles to create skittles for some ten-pin bowling. Create an interesting outdoor water feature by cutting some gaps into discarded clear plastic bottles and nailing them to a wooden post or fence.

14 Similar to the previous project, attach discarded clear plastic bottles to a fridge using magnets or on to a wall using double sided tape to create an interesting slide. Children can then insert Ping-Pong balls to watch them make a crazy journey down the slide.

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16 Discarded plastic bottles can be filled with interesting materials such as sand, rice and brightly coloured trinkets.

17 Children can then spend time observing the items from different angles and making a list of the items found.

18 By carefully cutting a discarded clear plastic bottle and adding eight pieces coloured ribbon, you can create a very impressive octopus. You can also glue on some felt eyes to make it even more impressive. The discussion with children on this project should focus not only on the octopus but also on how large fish can often mistake plastic sea pollution for food.

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20 Using some string, plastic bottle tops and some careful scissor work on discarded clear plastic bottles you can create an army of colourful plastic jelly fish to hang up around your Centre. Scary eyes can be added using marshmallows or other similar confectionary. Using Egg Cartons Unused egg cartons can be put to good use to also use as planters or can be easily adopted as a feeding tray for small birds.

21 We understand that some Centres have prohibited egg or egg related products/materials. Check with your Centre s policy before attempting any of these projects.

22 With a bit of creative thinking and artistic ability - egg cartons can be turned into a variety of fun characters:

23 Using Other Materials A variety of materials can be used to create artistic enviro projects involving children, ranging from cardboard packaging to tin cans. The following will give some ideas for various projects you can implement at your Centre. Cardboard With a bit of imagination and a lot of patience, you can transform unwanted cardboard boxes into pretend household items such as a fridge/freezer and a top loading washing machine (complete with recycled washing basket). Ask parents to hand in any unwanted boxes that they would normally throw out.

24 Cans Use discarded metal cans to create a display for children to knock down with a ball made of old newspaper. The cans should be washed and free of any contents. They can be painted in bright colours or decorated with colourful paper. Once again the discussion with children should include information on how long it takes for these cans to break down in landfill (50 years).

25 Old cans may also be re-used as handy containers for pencils.

26 Milk Containers Wash out unwanted plastic milk containers and carefully cut out a section to allow the storage of pencils, crayons etc. Bubble wrap Use packaging material such as bubble wrap to create games or activities for children.

27 Golf Balls Even old golf balls can be turned into interesting additions to your outdoor or garden area. With some red and black paint along with a steady hand - you can create a family of ladybirds. Household Items Unwanted everyday household items such as tea pots, cups, kettles or old boots can easily be transformed into interesting bird houses with very minimal effort.

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