1. Everything comes from the earth

2. The earth gives us the things we need for life

3. These things plus all the other materials that we find useful are called natural resources

4. We can turn natural resources into materials that we use everyday. Can you guess what these products are made from?

5. Plastic is made from oil which was formed millions of years ago by tiny dead sea animals being buried and squashed underground

6. Glass is made from sand, soda ash and limestone which are melted and then cooled. Sand and limestone are made of tiny pieces of shell and rock.

7. Paper is made from wood. When trees are cut down all the little bits left over are turned into pulp which can be pressed into paper.

8. Drink cans are made from aluminium which is found in a rock called bauxite. Aluminium is extracted and pressed into sheets which can then be shaped.

9. Natural resources have taken millions of years to form on earth and people are using them at a very fast rate. Once these resources have gone they cannot be replaced quickly. This is why it is important to REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE

10. Imagine a world without trees….

11. Plastic is everywhere! Imagine what life would be like without it.

12. Every month the Auckland region produces enough rubbish to fill a rugby field 10 stories high with rubbish!

13. What could you do when shopping to help reduce the amount of waste you produce? REDUCE & REUSE You can help reduce this pile of rubbish by REDUCING, REUSING and RECYCLING the things you and your family buy.

14. What could you do when shopping to help reduce the amount of waste you produce? REDUCE & REUSE Buy larger containers that can be reused for storage – e.g. big yogurt pots. Use a collapsible crate or reusable shopping bags instead of plastic carrier bags Why buy cards and gift tags when you can make your own from old cards? Start a magazine club – swapping them rather than buying new ones. Buy packaging that can be recycled easily or used again. Do you really need that new toy? Could you borrow or swap one with a friend? Refill water bottles from the tap. Buy things from an op-shop. Organise a litter-less lunch challenge.

15. www.arvindguptatoys.com Get creative…Make toys from trash!

16. Use old cans and tins to create some cool garden decorations… Fill can with water, and freeze Place on a bag of rice Punch holes – ask an adult for help Paint with oil-based enamel Why not add a festive twist?

17. How many ways can you think of to reuse these things: