As our world faces growing environmental challenges, every action counts. Every difference you make can help collectively make a significant difference to the Earth. Here are some ways that people, like you and me, can help make our planet green again: recycling properly, creating recycled art, volunteering for non-profits/charities, and picking up litter.

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1. Recycling The Proper Way

Although recycling seems simple, it is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste and conserve resources. Sorting the correct materials and making sure they are clean from contaminants (for example, cleaning leftover juice from containers), are ways you can recycle the right way. Educating yourself and others about the recycling rules and guidelines can increase the rates of recycling and reduce the burden on landfills. As well as using alternatives to single-use plastics (like replacing plastic water bottles with a metal bottle), or using reusable items (like tote bags when shopping, metal/glass straws, and more). This minimizes the amount of waste generated and lessens the mess. 

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2. Art From Recycled Materials

This is a creative and fun way to use wasteful materials, and even possibly turn them into functional items. This reduces the waste created and also raises awareness about the importance of reusing. By using things like water bottles, newspapers, scrap metal/fabric, or anything you can find in your garbage, artists (and people like you) can create unique pieces that promote sustainability. Anyone can join in and participate by starting with smaller projects at home, such as making jewelry, egg carton animals, or sculptures from water bottles. 

Can't think of any ideas of crafts you want to make? Join one of our Recycled Art Zoom meetings to craft with fellow Sprouts!

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3. Volunteering for Non-Profits and Charities

Many of these organizations are dedicated to environmental conservation and rely on volunteers to help their missions. Individuals can help by doing a wide range of activities like planting trees, restoring habitats, and spreading awareness about the Earth's environment. Not only that, students can also gain community hours from volunteering at these non-profits! 

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4. Picking Up Litter

Littering happens in almost every part of the world and is a huge problem that harms wildlife, pollutes waterbodies, and degrades the natural beauty of the Earth. Just throwing out your trash in the proper bins, or collecting the garbage in your neighborhood can help prevent these issues from happening. Some other ways to join in are by doing volunteer work, joining clean-up groups, or possibly being a member of your school's environmental club.