Show Notes
What actually happens after we put something in the recycling bin?
In this first episode of Beyond the Bin, I share reflections from my visit to Reclaim, a recycling business in Aotearoa New Zealand, and explore why recycling is much more complex than we often realise.
From plastic recycling and material science to processing costs, infrastructure and the economics of resource recovery, discover some of the hidden factors that determine what happens to our waste.
We also explore what this means for sustainability education. Are we teaching children to understand waste systems, or are we mainly teaching them to sort their rubbish?
I'm passionate about helping educators look beyond simple recycling activities and explore the science, systems and environmental questions behind everyday waste.
In this episode: What happens after waste is collected
Why not all plastics can be recycled in the same way
The difference between technically recyclable and actually recycled
How economics and infrastructure influence recycling
Why understanding the whole system matters
How we can go deeper with waste education
Beyond the Bin is a series from Eco Kids Collective exploring the science, systems and stories behind waste in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Find the companion blog post and further reading through Eco Kids Collective.
Subscribe for more conversations about waste science, sustainability and environmental education.
#Recycling #Sustainability #WasteEducation
More from Eco Kids Collective
What does it mean to be an early childhood teacher?
What do early childhood teachers really wish parents knew? As an early childhood teacher who's worked across childcare centres, kindergartens, home based education, and now as a visiting teacher, I've seen just how much happens behind the scenes that families never get to see. In this episode, I'm sharing some of the things many early childhood educators quietly wish parents understood, not to make anyone feel guilty, but to build stronger partnerships between families and teachers. We talk about why relationships matter so much, how teachers genuinely get to know each child, why communication between home and early childhood settings is so important, and why play is so much more than just playing. Whether you're a parent with a child already attending early childhood education or you're just starting to explore your options, I hope this episode gives you a better understanding of the people caring for your child each day. Although my experiences come from New Zealand, the ideas discussed are relevant for families around the world, including Australia, the United States, Canada and beyond. Download the free Eco Kids Parent Guide: Building Strong Relationships with Your Child's Early Childhood Teacher on the Eco Kids Collective website. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you followed the podcast and left a review. It really helps more families discover these conversations.
When people think about early childhood education, they often think of childcare centres, but they're only one of many options available. In this episode of the Eco Kids Podcast, we're exploring home based childcare: what it is, how it works, and why it may be a wonderful option for some children and families.
Choosing early childhood education can feel overwhelming, especially when every centre looks perfect on paper.
Welcome to Eco Kids, a podcast for early childhood educators, parents, and anyone passionate about meaningful learning.