As the impact of human civilization on the environment grows larger, you may wonder what your family can do to make a difference. A good start is to send leftover plastic and metal to a local recycling center. But since the world will one day be inherited by the next generation, also emphasize to your children the reasons for being green. Here are a few ideas to boost young one's enthusiasm for protecting the earth.

How to Help Your Family Recycle

1. Make It Fun

Not every item has to go to the recycling center. Instead, try doing arts and crafts with empty cans and bottles or scrap paper and cardboard. Your kid will love spending time with you—and having new art projects to show off with pride.

2. Have a Competition

Kids can be competitive, so harness that energy by having a recycling competition. Set up bins for each child to put recyclables into or have them list ways to reuse items. As they participate in the game, the ideas and habits you want them to learn will become easier for them to remember.

3. Reward Them

Similarly, if a kid is working toward a treat, they’ll be much more motivated. Offer them a candy bar whenever the recycling bin is filled or, if your recycling center offers cash for some materials, tell your kids they will get to keep some of the money.

4. Spend Time in Nature

The idea of “the environment” can be a little abstract for a child to grasp—but by taking them to a local creek, pond, campground, or park, they can see, smell, and touch the world all around them and start to understand. Spend time outdoors; then talk about how recycling or not recycling impacts that area specifically.

5. Be a Role Model

Finally, if you want your kids’ behavior to change, focus on your own. Make sure you use the recycling bin consistently and make trips to the recycling center as needed. Don’t just turn in cans and bottles, but participate in battery and electronic recycling. Show your children the kind of lifestyle they should live.

If you're looking for a nearby recycling center, Denver Metal Recycling serves Denver, Colorado and the surrounding areas, allowing you to turn over steel, scrap metal, batteries, electronics, and more. They offer cash for some materials and are committed to creating a greener world. For questions about what they can process and how to make a delivery, call (303) 316-2880 or send a message from their website.