• Children can save the planet, too.3d earth image by Zolt??n Pataki from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of human-produced waste has almost doubled since the 1960s. Adults who have become more conscientious about saving the planet recycle paper, plastics and metals at home and work, pack grocery store purchases in reusable fabric bags and ride bicycles to work. Although children can partake in some of these same activities, they can also participate in numerous projects geared specifically toward youngsters.
  
  

Book Exchange

• A book exchange helps reduce paper waste.trees image by Marta Reimpell from Fotolia.com
  
  Green Press Initiative reports that about 30 million trees are used annually to produce books sold in the United States. Instead of throwing away old books, children can exchange their books with other children. They can help organize a book exchange in their homes or in their communities. A local library or bookstore may be willing to host this event. Once a location is secured, children can bring two or three gently used books to the chosen location and exchange them for different books. Additionally, children might be able to plant a tree at the book exchange location.
  
  

Toy Exchange

• Children can exchange toys with each other.toys image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
  
  Children can participate in a toy exchange to reduce toy waste. They can go through their toys and select two toys they've outgrown. After cleaning and sanitizing the toys with eco-friendly products---with their parents' assistance---they can organize the toys on tables the day of the exchange. Each child can select two "new" toys in exchange for his old toys. Instead sitting in landfills, toys find new homes where they can be enjoyed.
  
  

Art Projects

• Jelly jars can be repurposed.flower in the jar image by Joaquim Rocha from Fotolia.com
  
  Instead of throwing away jelly jars, wooden spools, buttons, old socks, ribbon from presents and other items, adults can let children repurpose them. A jelly jar can be decorated with stickers or permanent markers, or it can be dressed up with old ribbon and some hot glue. The decorated jar can be used to hold pens and pencils. Wooden spools can be painted and threaded with ribbon or yarn to make necklaces. Socks without mates can be made into sock puppets, and old buttons can be glued on the socks for eyes and noses. Flowers can be made out of dryer sheets, and candle holders can be made out of soda bottles.