Among parents and educators it is widely said that the best way to pour both knowledge and love into a child is by sharing a book. Books can take us to new places, teach us something different or even inspire us to adopt habits with the health of our planet in mind. By adding some books from this green reading list to your kids’ story rotation, you can help foster a love for the environment and instill lifelong sustainable practices.
Planet Protectors is brought to you in partnership with the Stark Tuscarawas Wayne Recycling District
One Earth
Reading age: 4-8 years
This conservation-centered storybook walks the reader through reasons to love the earth as well as ways that they can help protect it. The overall message being to take care of our planet because we only have “One Earth.” The vibrant illustrations are a great way to engage kids in the beauty of the world around us and get them excited about taking care of our planet.
Green Start Books: One Tree
Reading Age: 2-7 years
“One Tree” explores the many important roles played by a single tree. From the birds who use the branches as a place to build a home, to the bugs who consume the leaves- this book highlights the importance of preserving nature for the species that depend on it.
This book is only one in a line of many called “Green Start Books” by Melissa & Doug. They’re made from 98% post-consumer recycled materials and printed with eco-friendly inks. From board books for the babies to books such as One Tree, that are geared towards school-aged children- this series helps your kids gain a better understanding of the world around them in a sustainable way.
Change Starts With Us
Reading Age: 0-3
This preschool level board book sends the message that everyone has the power to contribute to a cleaner planet. It highlights the small ways we can take care of the earth in our day-to-day lives. Whether that be planting a tree, picking up litter with friends, turning off the faucet or recycling, we have the power to make change with our habits. Change Starts With us introduces the idea that our actions can make a difference in a way that can leave an impression on even our youngest planet protectors.
Save The Scraps (Save the Earth)
Reading Age: 3+ years
Save The Scraps is all about composting. In this brightly illustrated, silly book, Mr. Squiggles takes his two friends on a composting adventure. Following their tale, the reader gets the chance to learn all about compost– what it is, why it’s important, and how to start your own.
The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle: A Story About Recycling
Reading Age: 3-9 years
The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle is a fun, light-hearted story that follows a plastic bottle through his life. Told from the bottles perspective, readers get to follow a plastic bottle from initial production as a bottle all the way to a second life as a fleece jacket. This book is a fun and simple way to get kids excited about recycling plastic.
This cute story is coming from another series that aims to educate readers in a sustainable way. The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle is part of Little Green Books, a series that covers subjects from environmental change and recycling to endangered animals and more.. All printed on post-consumer recycled materials using soy-ink!
What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet
Reading Age: 6-9 years
What a Waste is an educational book centered around recycling and environmental change. This book is a great deep dive for your kids that are eager to learn about how our actions can affect the planet and make a large impact. While it covers some larger topics such as pollution and where we are going wrong, it also covers what we can do to make a positive impact- breaking it all down in a way that’s easy for kids to digest.
If your family has a sparked interest in recycling, visit the Joint Solid Waste Districts’ website where you can find a wide variety of informative articles. If your family is ready to start recycling at home or needs more in depth information regarding recycling, they’ve got you covered.
The Recycling District assures safe and sanitary disposal of solid waste for the residents of Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Counties. Their goal is to reduce reusable or renewable wastes from entering landfills within the district. The Solid Waste District accomplish this through the development of residential and industrial programs that educate, promote, provide, implement, and improve recycling opportunities that will preserve landfill space now and into the future. Visit www.timetorecycle.org for more information.