I’ve recently been feeling conviction over how we leave this planet for the next generation. When I look at my sweet baby girl, and I think of the world I want her to live in, I’m reminded that change starts with me. But it continues with her. In my efforts to teach her to love and care for this beautiful world God has created for us, I’ve complied a list of simple things that we as Mamas, nannies, daycare/preschool teachers, etc. can easily slip into our daily lives and playrooms.

1.) Reuse Baby food Pouch Tops (Or even water bottle caps)

I generally try to make homemade purées and foods for my little one, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to my use of these pouches as well. My idea for this started back when I was nannying. These colorful twist off tops are perfect for math activities (they stack on top of each other), homemade game board pieces, color sorting, and art projects. No need to toss these versatile pieces away! Especially if you’re homeschooling, these are the perfect accessory to start stock piling instead of throwing in the trash.

2.) Children’s Book Hospital

Back when I was teaching two year olds and toddlers there was this concept of classroom book hospitals floating around. It’s a great way to both save some books from the trash and teach our kiddos responsibility and ownership. All you need is a basket to place damaged books in, tape, glue, scissors, maybe some string, whatever materials you’ve got handy to mend together those broken books. For the books that just can’t be saved, try reusing them for other purposes. Maybe cutting out the pictures for an art project, collage, or science project!

3.) Reuse plastic hand soap containers and other single use plastic containers for a new purpose.

If you haven’t already switched to glass hand soap containers, the plastic ones make great mess free paint dispensers for art time! Other single use containers (such as the individual plastic hummus containers from Costco or plastic marinara cups that you get when you order pizza) work really well for paint cups or as collection cups for nature walks.

4.) Buying Small and Reducing Plastic Toy Use

It’s really tempting and easy to fill up the playroom with plastic toys. From blocks to teethers, the toy market is seemingly a market for all things cheap and plastic. We know plastic isn’t good for our bodies or the planet. When possible, let’s switch things out for items made of wood or other sustainable and safe materials. I realize not all of the switches are available in big box stores, but this also encourages supporting small shops and local businesses. Some easy switches are:

Wood Blocks > Plastic Blocks

Natural Teethers > Plastic Teethers

Wooden Puzzles > Cardboard Based Puzzles

Used Books > Brand New Books

Glass Bottles/Steel Sippy Cups > Plastic Sippy Cups/Bottles

5.) Natural and Recycled Playroom Storage Containers

Another switch we can make is in the way we store our kids toys and books. Baskets and wooden shelves are both great alternatives to plastic bins. Also, buying used prevents perfectly good storage containers from ending up in the local landfill.

I would love to hear more ideas! Let me know ways you recycle in the playroom/classroom!