Did you know that the energy saved from one glass bottle will light a 100-watt bulb for 4 hours? Or, did you know that the United States throws away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour? Recycling is becoming an important part of life today. With the threat of many environmental problems, recycling is necessary to help the world survive. This patch will help you with the basics of recycling. It can be fun if you think what a great service you are doing for the Earth!

GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS

The purpose of RECYCLE IT! varies between age groups as any badge would. The following information is given to help adult leaders reach the goals of this patch.

Brownies must complete 4 requirements, including the starred number. This most likely is their introduction to recycling. Portray recycling as an important but fun necessity. Brownies should not write letters unless it is a group effort. Requirements one, six, and nine are not designed for Brownies. Program Links include Science in Action, Earth is our Home, and Earth and Sky Try-its.

Juniors must complete 6 requirements, including the starred number. Their activities should be more hands on and learning in small groups. They should learn that they themselves can participate in recycling. Program Links are Eco-Action, Ecology, and Ready for Tomorrow Badges.

Cadettes and Seniors must complete 8 requirements, including the starred one. They should do more independent work and interaction with adults. Ideas should be suggested by the girls with little adult help. The older girls should know the importance of recycling and should be prepared to do more activities. Program Links include Energy Awareness and Eco-Action Interest Project Patches.

1. Create a skit or puppet show for children, teaching them the importance of recycling.

2.*Keep a journal of the number of plastics, newspapers, cardboard boxes, glass bottles, and aluminun cans your family used in one week. By multiplying, find out how much your family consumes in a month, a year, and a lifetime.

3. Visit a recycling center. How did they begin? Who was it founded by? What materials do they accept? What is the average amount received of each material? Do the workers volunteer? If not, who pays them?

4. Find out how many types of items the United States recycles and how many pieces of each type. When and where did recycling begin? How soon did the United States become involved? Are we leading or behind other countries in our recycling efforts? Have an international visitor discuss her country's environmental problems and solutions.

5. On a map of your area, locate recycling drop-off locations. Possibly, color code the graph by giving each recyclable item which is accepted a different color. Which facility is closest to you? Visit it!

6. Pick a large, local business. Ask the staff if they use recycled and recyclable products. Encourage the President/Manager to begin environmental programs. Offer to collect their recycled goods.

7. Visit your favorite shopping plaza or mall. Keep a record of the shops which use plastic bags and those which use paper bags or recyclable plastic bags. Have an adult help you write a letter to the heads/managers of those shops which use non-recyclable plastic. Tell them of your concern for the world, and ask them to change to paper or recyclable plastic. Also, it is important to inform people when theya re doing something you find worthwhile. Write to the companies which use recyclable bags. Tell them they are doing a good job for the well-being of the earth.

8. Somehow help a recycling center or drop-off location, maybe by making signs for advertisement or volunteering your time to help in sorting or transporting the materials.

9. Find out how your state government has dealt with the topic of recycling. What programs have been started? How does your state compare with other states in the number of recycled items? Write to them your opinions and information found in requirement 4. You could possibly write to local government officals also.

10. Create a game dealing with recycling or play a recycling game. Give the players the opportunity to learn and have fun.

11. List fifteen non-recyclable items. See if they are also made in a recyclable form or think of some other item that could be used. Share this list with family and friends. Encourage them to use the reusable or recyclable items.

12. Find out how many trees it takes to make all of your family's newspapers for a year. Pick a room in your house and list the products that were made from a tree. How many of these items does your family recycle?

13. Find out how recycling works. For example, find out how a plastic shampoo bottle could turn into a plastic bag. Tell others what you learn, possibly by a poster showing the process of recycling.

14. Find out where your trash goes and how much trash that place can hold. How are landfills designed? How much trash can fit in a garbage truck? What simple things could be done to help a trash collector at her job? Also, how do compost heaps work?

15. Not always do you have to take recyclable things to a drop-off location. Recycle the fun way. Learn how to make a craft out of used materials or create something yourself. Use your imagination to lower the amount of trash you throw away!

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