I've always been interested in recycling and conservation. I have always separated things like cans, plastic, and paper to send to the recycling center. My kids have grown up knowing not to throw a soda can into the regular trash and to wash out the milk jug before putting it with the other plastics. However, I realized a few months ago that they were just doing what they were taught without really knowing why.
I decided to teach my kids all about recycling and why it was important. We looked up information about the amount of energy it takes to make things from raw material versus recycled, visited a recycling center to find out exactly what happens there, and did other recycling related activities. Now they're excited to separate recyclables, plant trees, and do their part to save the world. You can do the same thing with your family.