According to the World Bank's What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050 report, without urgent action, global waste will increase by 70 percent on current levels by 2050.

The report says the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste every year and this is expected to increase by nearly 70 percent to 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050.

Children naturally possess curiosity and openness to learning about the world they live in. This curiosity can be channelled towards:
  • understanding environmental issues
  • fostering eco-friendly behaviours, and
  • inspiring them to lead in the fight against waste and pollution.
Parents can play a crucial role in shaping their children's attitudes towards being environmentally responsible and conscious of recycling.

Here are some practical tips for parents to encourage their children to recycle:

Lead by example
Children learn by observing. Set a positive example by demonstrating recycling habits at home. Make recycling a daily practice in your household, involve them in the process of sorting recyclable materials and explain the environmental benefits of each action.

Hands-on experience
Turn recycling into a fun and engaging activity. Create games or challenges that encourage children to participate actively in recycling efforts. Consider rewarding their contributions with small incentives or praise.
 
Educational initiatives 
Engage children in entertaining and interactive educational activities centred on recycling. This could entail:
  • watching videos on recycling
  • visiting recycling facilities, or
  • organising neighbourhood clean-up events.
Experiencing the impact of recycling firsthand can make the concept have greater meaning and relevance. Foster meaningful discussions with children about:
  • the importance of recycling
  • its implications for the environment, and
  • encourage them to explore innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
By educating children about recycling, we instil in them a sense of responsibility towards the environment. We inspire them to respect the earth and its resources, encouraging them to think about the long-term impact of their actions. 

Recently through a school competition run by Tetra Pak which ran across 22 schools, learners recycled approximately 270 000 liquid packaging board (LPB) cartons, which were subsequently sent to Gayatri Paper Mills for recycling, demonstrating that children can contribute as active participants in saving the environment. 

As we commemorate Global Recycling Day, it is important to acknowledge the crucial role that children play in shaping a sustainable future. By equipping them with the knowledge and skills to recycle effectively, we empower them to become stewards of the environment, ensuring a cleaner, greener planet for generations to come. 

For more information, visit www.tetrapak.com. You can also follow Tetra Pak on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor