The topic “Waste and Recycling in day cares in Finland” is an important aspect of environmental education in Finnish educational institutions. In Finland, great importance is placed on sustainable and environmentally conscious upbringing. In day cares, children learn at an early age how to handle waste and why recycling is important.
Early Awareness-Raising
Children are taught from a young age about the importance of environmental protection and resource conservation. Many Finnish day cares have programs aimed at raising children’s awareness of waste issues and the necessity of recycling.
Practical use of Recycling
Children are shown how to separate waste. This includes waste separation systems where paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste are sorted into different containers. Often, creative craft projects are also carried out where children reuse old materials to create new items.
Integration into Everyday Life
Waste and recycling are not just addressed through projects—they are integrated into daily routines. Children help collect waste and sort materials, gaining hands-on experience that helps them understand why minimizing and properly disposing of waste is important.
Sustainable Practices
Finnish day cares place emphasis on using environmentally friendly materials. Many rely on natural, recycled, or biodegradable products to reduce their ecological footprint.
Cooperation with the Community
Some day cares work with local waste disposal companies and participate in recycling initiatives aimed at the broader community. This teaches children that environmental protection is not only important at home or in day cares but is also a societal responsibility.
Games and Learning Materials
To convey the topic in a playful way, games and educational materials are often used to promote awareness of waste prevention and recycling. For example, children can learn how waste separation works through interactive images or digital tools.
Examples of Environmentally Based Educational Activities
1. Waste Separation Workshop
Goal: Children learn to separate different types of waste (paper, plastic, glass, organic waste).
Activity: Children work in groups to sort various (safe and realistic) types of waste into the correct bins. During the activity, the reason for separating each type of waste is explained.
Materials: Waste separation containers with pictures representing the different types of waste (paper, plastic, glass, organic waste).
2. Creative Workshop with Recycled Materials
Goal: Children learn how to reuse waste instead of throwing it away.
Activity: Children use collected waste (e.g., old newspapers, plastic bottles, cans, cardboard) to craft new items such as picture frames, jewelry, or small toys.
Materials: Old newspapers, plastic bottles, cans, cardboard, glue, scissors, paints.
