Recycling saves large amounts of energy. Recycling one glass jar saves enough energy to light a100-watt light bulb for four hours. Recycling one soda can saves as much energy as if the can were half full of gasoline. When waste products are recycled, fewer raw materials are used. Americans threw away 35 billion aluminum cans last year - we threw away enough aluminum to build an entire air fleet four times over.
Recycling paper reduces the pressure on our forests for wood pulps.
Collect a variety of household items that are thrown into the garbage. Also include items which could be recycled, such as newspapers or glass jars. Introduce the notion of reuse by displaying a variety of household items which are frequently thrown into the garbage but could be used for other purposes. Ask students to describe uses for each of these household products. Survey the class by holding up each item and asking for a show of hands if the item could probably be found in their garbage at home.