Waste produced by humans has a big impact on the environment... but don't you worry! There are lots of choices that we can make every day to help. The 4R's are a good way for us to learn and think about the waste that we produce.

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1. REFUSE

The very best thing that we can do to reduce waste is say "no" to single-use items or things that produce waste. Here are a few ideas:
 

• Use reusable items from straws to shopping bags

• Avoid packaging on food and other items... e.g. could you buy your bread from a bakery?

• Ask yourself if you reeeaaally need something new!

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2. REDUCE 

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Sometimes it can be difficult to refuse waste, so the next best thing we can do is to reduce it. There are lots of ways to do this - here's just a few:
 

• Composting is a great way to dispose of food waste rather than sending it to landfill

• Planting a veggie patch helps to reduce packing from the shops

• Take wrapper-free lunches and encourage your friends to join you!

3. REUSE

Reusing helps us to get the very most value of out of the things that we use before they go to waste. 

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• Sharing books, games and clothes with friends is a great way of reusing

• Donate to op shops

• Sometimes it's hard to avoid packaging... planting or storing is a great way to reuse bottles and containers

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4. RECYCLE 

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At the end of the day, we will still produce some waste. Recycling helps to turn our waste into new items and materials... but how? This video teaches us what happens to recycling from yellow-top bins after it leaves our home or school, and helps us to understand why certain things can or cannot be recycled!

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This challenge will help you in your role as an EcoMarine. By learning about and understanding what can and cannot go in the recycling bin, we can then educate our school and community!

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STEP 1.
Click on your council's website to learn about recycling in your local area (ask an adult what council you're in if you're not sure!). Find your council's recycling guide and have a look at what can or can't be recycled.

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• Brisbane City Council  (includes fun quizzes and games!)

• Moreton Bay Regional Council  (information on where to recycle or dispose, and activities to rethink waste!)

• Redland City Council

• City of Gold Coast

• City of Ipswich (there are some helpful tips and answers at the bottom of the page)

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STEP 2.
Take our recycling quiz to test your knowledge! The answers will depend on where you live, so you will need to do some research on your local council's website... or maybe you already know the answer!