Teach children to use both sides of their paper. Instead of writing or drawing on one side, encourage them to use both sides of the paper. Create a bin for one-sided used paper only. This paper can be used for other projects or for printer draft documents.
Make use of old magazines, newspapers and other printed materials that typically are thrown away. Have students bring in old paperwork from home to use for cutting and artwork projects within the classroom. Preschoolers love to cut and paste. This allows them to use something that their families were going to throw away.
Pack no-waste lunches. Many lunch products come in packaging that ends up in the trash. Encourage preschoolers to bring lunches from home in reusable containers with utensils that can be taken home for washing and reusing. This helps eliminate lunchroom trash.
Purchase reusable materials for the classroom. Refillable pens and pencils will reduce waste at school.
Create a miniature compost bin in your classroom. Not only is this a good way to encourage preschoolers to not waste food, but it is also an opportunity to teach a simple biology.
Eliminate paper towels and encourage use of cloth products for hand washing and cleaning up spills and accidents.
Teach preschoolers not to let water run while they are washing their hands. Have them rinse their hands and then turn off the water while applying soap and lathering up. Have the child turn the water back on to rinse off the soap.
Encourage children to bring refillable water bottles from home. They can fill these with water instead of using a drinking fountain, which wastes water.
Reward children for notifying you of leaky faucets or toilets in the classroom or school. By rewarding them, they will be on the lookout for water waste.
Talk to administrators and maintenance department employees at your school to find out if the school uses water-reducing devices and low-flow fittings on toilets and faucets. These products could save water and money for your school.