The Teacher Zone features a compilation of valuable materials that teachers can use to inform and engage students on how and why to reduce their waste. You’ll find interactive lessons, lesson plans, coloring books/pages, activities, and more!

 

Download K-3 Grade Level RARE Activity Guide

 

Download 4-8 grade Level RARE Activity Guide

 
 

Upcycle Projects

-Arts and Crafts from Recycled Materials-

One person's trash is another person's treasure! Upcycling means to reuse or repurpose discarded items to make new, more valuable items!

  1. Recycling Life Hacks and DIY Crafts by Blossom

  2. Wallet Made from Juice Carton (ideal for kids ages 12 and up)

  3. Reusable Bag from old T-Shirt

  4. Seed Starters from Empty TP Rolls 

  5. Desk Buddies from TP Roll

  6. Desk Organizer from TP Roll

  7. Ways to Reuse Old Keys

  8. Do-it-Yourself Birdfeeder

  9. Egg Carton Mask

 

Other Fun Resources

These waste-free activities will not only reduce the amount of trash generated by your school and reduce waste-collection costs, they will also teach students real-life concepts of environmental stewardship by finding ways to reduce and reuse. Environmental project-based learning will help children connect to the natural world, will help them feel like they are making real contributions to their community, and will help them integrate in-class learning with handon experiences.

Recycle Rex, the California Department of Conservation’s spokesdinosaur, is excited to bring you this very “recy-cool” guide of recycling facts, games and crafts. If we all pitch in to recycle, reduce, reuse and close the loop, we will save the earth’s natural resources and lots of energy! This guide shows you many fun and simple ways that you can do your part. Produced by The Department of Conservation Division of Recycling.