You've probably heard of recycling. Recycling basically means using existing materials to create new objects. It tremendously helps the Earth, because if we reuse what is already available, we don't have to harvest as many new resources (trees, oil, and others). In the United States, about 75% of waste is recyclable, but only 35% actually gets recycled. The success of recycling depends on everyone doing their part in being environmentally friendly. There are some exciting benefits: if each person in the U.S. were to recycle one plastic bottle, the plastic could be used to create over 6 million fleece jackets or 54 million t-shirts.

How can you contribute to this cause? Think about resources that you use on a regular basis. Plastic, cans, cardboard, water? All that and more can be reused in various ways.
If possible, cut down on your plastic use. Try a reusable bottle instead of plastic water bottles, say no to plastic straws, and use old grocery bags as trash bags. Do you have a recycling bin in your neighborhood or at school? Take your cans, plastic, paper, cardboard and other materials over there. Before that, read up on recycling policies in your location, as they vary by city. You can reuse water: when you're using the sink or tub, collect the water in a bucket and use it to flush the lavatory or water the backyard plants. Be careful, however: do not lift the bucket if it is too heavy. Consider talking about recycling with your family and friends; maybe they'd like to join you. These are only a few suggestions, you can look up fun and easy ways to recycle and see what you're interested in!