Educational Links 

Non-profit Recycling Advocacy Groups

National Recycling Coalition  Not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and improvement of recycling, source reduction, composting, and reuse.  Website contains a "Tools and Advocacy" section for recyclers and recycling proponents.

State and Federal Resources

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality  State agency that oversees environmental activities in Virginia.  The Recycling and Litter Prevention program is part of DEQ's Division of Environmental Enhancement, which also includes the Waste Tire Management Program, the Pollution Prevention/Environmental Excellence Program, the Coastal Resources Program and the Environmental Impact Review Program 

 

Environmental Protection Agency  National agency that oversees efforts to protect human health and work for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people

 

OurEarth.org Website offers easy access to environmental awareness and information.  OurEarth.org is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was started by John Hopkins University students and faculty.

Fun Stuff

America Recycles Day- November 15  Organize an event at your school or have your students create posters about recycling.  

 

Animated Movies About the Environment

Educators and kids are invited to visit a special mini-site for a selection of movies covering things from global warming, recycling, air pollution and much more. There may be a charge for some on the animated content. Applicable for grades K-8.

 

Recycle City  Explore how the city's residents recycle, reduce, and reuse waste.  

 

EPA Environmental Explorers' Club  Get ready to explore your environment and learn about neat things you can do to protect it.

 

Planet Pals

Visit PlanetPals website to access more than 350 pages of educational materials. Lessons plans and activities on ecology, recycling, and global warming as well as ideas for celebrating Earth Day.

 

Virginia Naturally  Contains lesson plans, field trip information, community event listings, SOL resources and grant information

Trade Associations for Specific Materials

American Plastics Council- TeachingPlastics.org Resources for elementary and middle-school students and teachers about the chemistry and characteristics of plastics.

 

American Forest and Paper Association A series of interactive, educational flyers on paper use, recycling, and sustainable forestry for classroom use by K-6 teachers.

 

Steel Recycling Institute Resources to interest a variety of age groups.  The Steel Recycling Institute's official spokes-"can" has his own fun site for kids:  Roscoe's Recycle Room.

 

Aluminum Beverage Cans: The ABCs of Environmental Education The Can Manufacturers Institute created this environmental teaching resource for elementary students using aluminum cans as a model.