Schools

School is the perfect place to practice waste reduction. Students who learn about waste in their classrooms gain good lifetime habits. And they teach their families how to minimize waste.

Schools are encouraged to plan Waste Reduction Week activities by using the School Resources below. Participating schools have celebrated by starting their own composting or recycling program or even visiting a recycling plant! And don't forget to register your event! Your school can also participate in two special campaigns: the Recycle My Cell Challenge and the Ease My Load program.

School Resources

Step one: download the School Resource Kit. This resource will help your school get on the path to 
waste awareness and reduction! Then see the tools below for classroom activities and more. 

Download the School Resource Kit

Classroom Activities

• Too Good to Waste Powerpoint Presentation and Activities: a waste discussion for grades 4-6
• Fun and Games Resource: quizzes and games to test your class
• Making and Building Resource: teach students how make recycled paper, build a recycled bird feeder, and build a composter
• Composting Resource: learn how to make all kinds of composters for organic waste
• Past School Event Activity Ideas: learn from other schools

School Waste Reduction

School Waste Audit

• School Waste Report Card
• Start a Recycling Program
• Enviro-Preferable Products

Useful Links

Elementary schools:

• Learning for A Sustainable Future: classroom activities on energy conservation
• Educational Resources: Larraine Roulston's "Pee Wee" novels on vermicomposting in the classroom

Secondary and Post-Secondary Schools:

• Campus Zero Waste
• Recycle City
• OCAD Green Exchange