Recycling might sound like something only adults do, but children can be some of the biggest heroes in protecting the planet. Clean-up and Recycle Week is the perfect time to remind South Africans, especially children, that small actions can have a big impact. Recycling may seem like a simple task, but it plays a powerful role in saving energy, reducing waste, and protecting the environment for future generations.
Kids are natural changemakers, and when they learn about recycling early, they’re more likely to carry those habits into adulthood. By putting their juice or milk cartons into the right bin, children are already helping to create a cleaner, greener world.
“Recycling is not just about waste, it’s about turning what we no longer use into something new and valuable. By starting these habits young, children grow up with an understanding that caring for the environment is both fun and important,” explains Masale Manoko, Head of Sustainability for Sub-Saharan Africa at Tetra Pak.
To show just how exciting recycling can be, here are five cool things your children may not know about recycling:
1. Recycling saves lots of energy
Recycling just one aluminium can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours. Imagine how much energy kids can save if they recycle their juice and milk cartons every day!
2. Old things can become new things
A used carton doesn’t just disappear. It can be recycled into paper, notebooks, boxes, or even school desks. Recycling gives everyday items a second life.
3. Recycling helps animals.
When people recycle, there is less of an environmental impact and less waste ends up in rivers and oceans. That means more trees for birds to build nests and cleaner water for dolphins to play in.
4. Recycling is science in action
Special machines can separate paper, plastic, and aluminium from cartons. The fibres are cleaned and reused, while the other materials can be turned into new products. It’s science and technology working together like magic!
5. Upcycling is a form of recycling
Upcycling is a form of recycling, but with an important difference. Recycling usually breaks materials down (e.g. melting plastic, pulping paper, smelting metal) so they can be made into new raw materials.
Upcycling on the other hand takes used items and repurposes them into something of higher value or better quality, without breaking them down completely.
For example, recycling a glass bottle involves turning it back into raw glass for manufacturing. Upcycling a glass bottle can mean turning it into a lamp or decorative vase.
Children can make a difference and parents should reinforce what is taught at school about protecting the environment.
“Small actions, like putting a carton in the recycling bin, add up to a big impact for our planet or turning recyclables into fun art projects,” adds Manoko. “By learning about recycling early, kids become the changemakers who will shape a more sustainable future.”
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