Recycling in Your Community

Students will apply their acquired knowledge of different types of plastic and learn about which items are recyclable in their community. NOTE: This may be in their city, county, town, village, etc. depending on what municipal level manages the community’s recycling program. Students will take this new knowledge and creatively think of alternative items that could be used or invent new items to serve the same purpose to reduce the amount of plastic items that enter the waste stream.

“Plastic Pollution and You,” published by New York Sea Grant, is a 15-lesson curriculum focused on marine debris sources, impacts, and solutions. These hands-on lessons and activities help students learn the different types of plastics, their impact on marine and freshwater ecosystems, and about ways to address and prevent plastic pollution. Interdisciplinary elements of this curriculum include policy research, environmental justice, and effective outreach and communication strategies. The curriculum is designed to be appropriate for multiple grade levels, meet New York State and Next Generation Science Standards, and align with several regional environmental action plans. Educators from New York who are interested in getting involved in future revisions to the curriculum can connect with New York Sea Grant through their website.

To learn more about “Plastic Pollution and You,” including an instructional webinar reviewing the units and lessons, visit the New York Sea Grant website.