MPL's "Learning at Home" series is designed to support elementary level students' continued learning beyond the classroom. The posts explore topics related to the Ontario Curriculum and are designed to spark curiosity, learning and fun!
We have two friends – Jelly and Bean who love using a new thingamajig called the Ziggie. These are made out of paper and popsicle sticks. Ziggies can last up to 7 days.
After one week -
Jelly used the same Ziggie each day, then took it apart and placed the pieces in the BLUE and GREEN bins.
Bean bought a new Ziggie after each use and eventually threw out seven lightly used Ziggies in the GARBAGE bin.
Which friend do you think understands the principles of Reduce, Reuse & Recycle?
Let's remind Bean a few benefits of the three Rs…
- Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to rely on new raw materials
- Saves energy and money
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change
- Helps the environment carry on for the future
- Reduces the amount of waste that are sent to landfills
- Allows products to be used to their fullest extent
Now that we have Bean’s attention, let’s help by putting recyclable and non-recyclable items in the correct bins:
You just found some old paper RECEIPTS.
Your mom just SHREDDED some bank statements.
You dad just finished his sandwich wrapped in WAXED paper.
Do you know which bin the three types of paper should go into… GREEN, BLUE or GARBAGE?
If you do not know and want to find out the answer, try this cool online tool from the City of Markham –
WHAT GOES WHERE?
(Hint: Avoid typing the word "paper" and be specific by using the above BOLDED words.)
You might be surprised where these items should go.
After you've done your part with the bins, you can see how your city and region play their part by watching this video.
You may be wondering about the garbage.
Most items are brought to the landfill however some gets turned into ENERGY. To see how this works, take a tour of the Durham York Energy Centre, opens a new window.
Hopefully our message got through and Bean has a better understanding of what to do with Ziggies.
If our community, just like our friends Jelly and Bean, follows the three Rs, we could all be optimistic about the future...
just like BLUE bins. Do you know why?
Because they are full of CANs!!
And together we CAN help make the planet a better place.
*Special Thanks to Josh M. for additional content
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