Host a swap event to promote the idea of reusing and exchanging items instead of buying new ones.
Grade Level: 4-6
Learning Objectives:
- Name the 3Rs and explain how they help reduce waste
- Explain how working together can increase positive environmental impact
During this activity students will:
- Review the 3Rs and their connection to waste reduction
- Put in practice reuse by hosting a swap event
- Share the results of the swap event with the school community
Materials
- Swap Superstars Toolkit: poster, announcements, tickets, letter for parents/guardians
Instructions
- Begin by asking students to look at the items in their pencil cases or the tags of their shirts or sweaters to see where they were made. Prompt reflection through questions such as:
- How did these items get from there to here?
- Why might this be a problem?
Continue the discussion:
- What do you think makes people buy new things? (For example, personal taste, advertising, social pressure, etc.)
- Buying brand new is not always best. Do you agree with this?
- How can we help encourage people not to buy new things they don’t need?
Discuss the 3Rs and focus on reuse. Talk about how every time something is thrown away, all of the energy that went into producing, packaging and transporting it is also thrown away. That is why reusing by trading and sharing products, such as Halloween costumes, sports equipment, toys, books and clothes we don’t need anymore is a great way to reduce our impact on the environment.
- Explain that you are going to host a Swap Superstars Event where people can exchange items they no longer want or need with each other. Decide which seasonally-appropriate items your event will focus on.
- Establish a collection period and set up a location for people to drop off their items. For each item that’s brought in, the person will receive a ticket. These tickets can be used at the event to shop for items. Advertise for your event, using our simple templates (sample poster, sample announcements, notes for parents/guardians) or make your own.
- Host the event and make sure to get lots of photos! Keep track of how many swaps are made.
- Following the event, debrief with the class:
- How many people participated?
- Did we accomplish what we wanted to accomplish?
- Are the results what you thought they would be?
- How can we share the results of this event?
Together, decide how to share the positive benefits and to encourage people to continue adopting sustainable habits. Some suggestions:
- Creating a video about the project
- Writing a blurb for the school newsletter or social media site
- Making a poster to display in the school lobby