Global Recycling Day cheers for our recycling hero Charles Connelly

Global Recycling Day Cheers for Our Recycling Heroes

It's Global Recycling Day! Have you heard? Today, March 18th, is a special day to celebrate recycling. We're giving a big high-five to everyone who helps keep our planet healthy by recycling. We even have our own Recycling Hero here at Shaka Love 'Ohana – it's Charles Connelly, and guess what? He's only 17 years old! We're super proud of Charles' amazing work.


What Global Recycling Day is All About

Global Recycling Day infographic

Global Recycling Day is like a big party for recycling. It's a special day when people all around the world come together to celebrate recycling and the amazing folks who make it happen. You might wonder, why do we have a whole day dedicated to recycling? Well, let me tell you!

Imagine if recycling didn't exist. Our trash cans would overflow, and all those bottles and papers we throw away each day would pile up everywhere, our planet wouldn't be a very nice place to live. Recycling helps us avoid that mess by giving old things a second life instead of throwing them away. Global Recycling Day reminds us how important it is to keep recycling and taking care of our planet

This year, the theme of Global Recycling Day is #RecyclingHeroes. That means we're celebrating the everyday people who do awesome things to help the environment. These heroes could be anyone—from kids who pick up litter at the park to grown-ups who sort their recycling at home. Every little act of recycling makes a big difference!


Who Are These Heroes?

At the Coto de Caza EcoConnections event, Charles Connelly put together a booth called “Coto Recycles Right” to educate the community on the proper ways to dispose of trash, recyclables, and compostables.

You might be wondering, who exactly are these recycling heroes? Well, let me tell you—they're everyday people just like you and me. They're not just famous faces like Greta Thunberg or Leonardo DiCaprio. They're ordinary individuals who do amazing things to help the environment. Take Charles, for example.

Close portrait of Charles Connelly wearing a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle green T-shirt

Charles Connelly is a 17-year-old environmental activist from Coto. He's been living here with his family for three years now, and his passion for the environment runs deep. It all started when he studied environmental science in school. Learning about the planet's challenges motivated him to make a difference in his community. Charles loves helping people learn how to dispose of their waste properly. Whether it's organizing clean-up events or finding creative ways to reuse old stuff, he's always looking for ways to make a positive impact! Surprisingly, his efforts haven't gone unnoticed.

Charles Young Achiever feature on page 42 of Greet Coto de Caza August issue

His mom, Amy, is the founder of Shaka Love, and she's been his biggest supporter. She's the one who inspired him to pursue environmental science in the first place. Her passion for the environment rubs off on Charles every day, motivating him to keep pushing for change. After high school, Charles has big plans. He wants to go to college and major in environmental and ocean sciences. With his determination and passion, there's no doubt he'll make a difference in the world.


The Power of Recycling

Now, let's talk about why recycling is such a big deal, it might seem like a small act, but it has a superpower. 

The power of recycling meme

First off, recycling helps keep our planet clean and healthy. Instead of letting stuff pile up in landfills and pollute the environment, we give it a second chance. Recycling paper, plastic, and glass means less waste ends up in our oceans and forests.

But it's not just about cleaning up our messes—recycling also helps conserve precious resources. When we recycle materials like aluminum and steel, we're saving energy and water that would otherwise be used to make new stuff from scratch. Not to mention, recycling cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions, which helps fight climate change.

The good news is that anyone can get in on the action and help! Whether you're a kid sorting cans in your kitchen or a big company recycling tons of paper, every little bit helps. So don't underestimate the power of your recycling efforts—you're making a difference, one bottle or can at a time.


What Can We Do to Be Recycling Heroes Too?

Well, it's easier than you think! Here are 5 simple steps you can take to become a Recycling Hero like Charles:


#1 Start at Home: 

Take a look around your house and see what you can recycle. Separate your paper, plastic, glass, and metal items, and make sure to put them in the right recycling bins. Encourage your family members to do the same—it's a team effort.


#2 Reduce and Reuse: 

Remember, recycling is just one part of the equation. Before you toss something in the recycling bin, think about whether you can reduce your waste or find another use for it. Can that old jar be used for storing snacks? Can you repurpose those cardboard boxes for a craft project? Get creative!


#3 Spread the Word: 

Share your passion for recycling with your friends, classmates, neighbors and on social media. Tell them about the importance of recycling and how easy it is to get started. You never know—you might inspire someone else to become a recycling hero too.


#4 Get Involved: 

Look for opportunities to get involved in recycling initiatives in your community. Join a local clean-up event, volunteer at a recycling center, or participate in environmental education programs. Every little bit helps, and your efforts can make a big difference.


#5 Lead by Example: 

Be a role model for others by making being green a daily habit. Carry your own water bottle to school instead of buying plastic ones, or use a cool eco-friendly tote bag as an alternative to single-use plastic bags. Show your friends how easy and awesome it can be to take care of our planet.
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