Not only are children and teenagers the future, but they are also some of the most active digital users in our population. As such, they should learn and appreciate the basics of e-waste, recycling, and proper disposal. In this article, we’re exploring ways to turn your children into eco-conscious citizens.
Starting with Recycling
The first step to teaching your children about e-waste is to teach them about recycling. Many children are taught about recycling in school. If not, a calm discussion about materials and the environment will work. Children are like sponges: they absorb information at rapid rates.
Once they understand the mindset of recycling, you can then link it with electronics. When we finish a milk carton, we throw it in the recycling bin. When our electronics are no longer useful, we should similarly recycle them.
If your child is not an auditory learner, leading by example is the simplest way to teach them.
Recycling and Teenagers
With teenagers, you can take a different approach. Educate them about the dangers that e-waste poses to the environment, if not disposed of successfully. To really solidify the point, you could show them photos of people that have been affected by the lead poisoning that leeches into the ground.
This firsthand experience will strongly encourage them to recycle.
Repair
Recycling is not the only ‘R’ that is at the heart of the e-waste issue. In fact, the problem would be significantly decreased if more people chose to repair their electronics instead of simply throwing them away.
Instead of quickly replacing electronics, show your child or teenager how to repair them. This is a valuable and lifelong skill, and it also lowers the amount of waste that goes into our landfill and earth.
Reuse
Reusing products will be a good lesson to teach your teenagers, especially. When an electronic device breaks, encourage them to sell, gift or donate it, instead of throwing it away.
Reusing could also work with electronic children’s toys. If they upgrade from an old Xbox to a newer model, take them to a charity that accepts them, and show them that other children would appreciate it. Alternatively, encourage them to gift, or sell the Xbox. Reuse can happen in a variety of ways.
When Disposal Works
Although disposal may appear like recycling, the two ideas should be approached differently. Teach your children and teenagers about the importance of correctly disposing of their electronics.
Involve them in the spring cleaning process, and take them to a local recycling place. If there are a lot of electronics piling up at home, you could show them how to organise a residual electronic waste collection. Either way, get them involved in the process so that they will understand that recycling is the correct way to dispose of their electronics.
Contact Us
Electronic waste is a significant issue in Australia, which is why we should teach our children and teenagers about it as soon as possible. We at Perth E-Waste are here to assist you. We have extensive knowledge and experience in the e-waste industry.
If you have any questions about this article, feel free to contact us at (08) 9314 7111 or online.