“Ecovoyageurs” is a great resource for teachers and students who want to reduce their impact on Earth. The ecological footprint is introduced and students are encouraged to fill out a survey to determine their own ecological footprint. The questions of the survey are clear and simple and encourage the students to reflect on their daily actions. All aspects of the ecological footprint are addressed including energy, food, waste and transportation. The student can then assess the impact of his own actions and decide on lifestyle changes to implement in order to protect the Earth. The teacher section includes very nice downloadable guides in PDF. These guides include questionnaires, texts and worksheets. Really this site is a little treasure for elementary school teachers who try to promote the protection of the environment in their classroom. There is a junior and an intermediate version of this site.

Ecokids.ca is a great website for kids promoting the importance of being environmentally friendly. It includes a section for kids and a section for teachers.  In the section for kids, there are games and activities about wildlife, climate change, energy, the North, waster, waste, land use and the First Nations. It also includes help for homework and contests. There is also a section called “Have your say”. In this section, every few weeks, there is a new question about an environmental issue, animals, science or nature. Kids can then use the form to say what they think. There is also a blog presenting key environmental issues. The teachers’ section includes lessons plans, printables, a literacy corner and some contest. Teachers need to sign-up to access these resources.

Waste Reduction Week in Canada is quickly approaching. Waste Reduction Week aims to inform and engage Canadians about the environmental and social ramifications of wasteful practices. It strives to educate, engage and empower Canadians to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. The Waste Reduction Week website has many resources for teachers. School is the perfect place to practice waste reduction. Students who learn about waste in their classrooms or run their own composting or recycling programs can help teach their families about how to minimize waste. You can also register waste reduction projects done at your school or ideas of things you do as an individual to reduce waste. Register your school to show Canada, and the world, that you are part of the waste reduction solution!

There is also a very cool and fun video with Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street. You can send your friends a personalized video by e-mail. I am certain your students will love that little video.

On YouTube, there are two Public Service Announcements with Oscar the Grouch promoting waste reduction to show in your classroom.

Finally you can follow the Waste Reduction Week in Canada on Facebook and Twitter to get some daily updates and tips throughout the week on how to reduce waste.

Help us make every week Waste Reduction Week!