Plastic Free July is a perfect opportunity to engage children in meaningful conversations about caring for our planet. It’s the ideal time to inspire the next generation to take action through fun and educational activities.
To support these conversations, we’ve created 2 interactive worksheets designed to help kids explore the issue of plastic pollution and discover easy, sustainable choices they can make every day. These hands-on worksheets encourage curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.
By helping children understand the real-world impact of plastic waste and empowering them with practical solutions, these activities aim to build lasting eco-conscious habits in a way that’s both enjoyable and age-appropriate.
1. Planet-Friendly Swaps Worksheet
This worksheet introduces everyday plastic items and encourages kids to discover eco-friendly alternatives. Whether it’s swapping a plastic straw for a reusable one or choosing a lunchbox over cling wrap, children will learn to swap items for more eco-friendly solutions.
Kids will:
- Identify common single-use plastics
- Explore fun, reusable alternatives
Build awareness of sustainable living
đź“ť Materials Needed:
đź“š Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Print the Worksheet
- Start by printing out your Planet-Friendly Swaps worksheet.
2. What to Avoid
- Look at the plastic items shown in the worksheet, things like plastic bags, cling wrap, cutlery, and bottles.
Think about why these items are bad for the planet (e.g., they end up in oceans or take years to break down).
3. How to Avoid It
- Next to each plastic item, you’ll see a reusable or eco-friendly swap.
Think about why they’re a smarter choice (like using a reusable bottle that you can refill all year long).
4. Yes! I Will Do This!
Tick the box if you’re ready to try that eco-friendly swap in your real life.
5. Display Your Progress (Optional)
- Stick your worksheet on the classroom wall or at home.
- Use it as a reminder and tick off each action as you complete it!
2. Reduce, Reuse, or Recycle Bookmark Worksheet
This fun interactive worksheet helps students explore the power of reducing waste, reusing creatively, and recycling responsibly.
Through engaging activities, children will learn how everyday choices can positively impact the planet. Once completed, they can cut out the worksheet to create colourful bookmarks, perfect for marking their favourite books and serving as daily reminders to care for the Earth.
đź“ť Materials Needed:
- Printable bookmark worksheet
- Scissors ✂️
- Colour pencils, crayons, or markers
- Glue stick
- String/Ribbon
đź“š Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Print the Worksheet
- Print out the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” bookmark worksheet.
- It includes:
• A three-section layout for each of the 3Rs
• Fun action bubbles under each heading
• Blank spaces for kids to add their own items
2. Learn the 3Rs
Before decorating or cutting it out, read out and explain what each word means:
- Reduce: Use fewer resources and avoid waste
- Reuse: Find creative new ways to use items again
- Recycle:Turn old materials into something new
3. Colour the Bookmark
- Bring your bookmark to life by colouring the symbols on each bookmark.
4. Match the Actions
- Cut out the action bubbles and paste each one into the section where it belongs (Reduce, Reuse, or Recycle).
5. Cut Out the Bookmark
Carefully cut along the dotted lines to separate the bookmark from the worksheet.
6. Add a Ribbon (Optional)
Attach a ribbon or string through the hole to personalise it.
7. Use or Share
Tuck it into your favourite book or share it with a friend, teacher, or family member to spread the message of sustainability!
Discover more fun and educational resources with our “Reducing Plastic Waste in Oceans – Downloadable Worksheet.” This interactive worksheet is designed to empower kids to take action by learning how to reduce plastic pollution. Filled with engaging activities, it makes protecting our oceans exciting and easy to understand.
For teachers, parents, and caregivers, helping children understand waste management has never been more important. Explore our “What Goes Where? A Fun Waste Sorting Worksheet for Kids”, an engaging, hands-on activity that teaches kids how to sort waste the right way.
By turning learning into play, this worksheet encourages kids to build lifelong sustainable habits while having fun.
