Examining the Effects of Recycling Education on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Elementary School Students

In order to promote environmental sustainability, the Unit 5 School District in McLean County, Illinois has recognized the need to increase recycling rates within the district. As a part of the efforts to encourage recycling in Unit 5 schools, this study considers the barriers that may prevent the effective implementation of environmental education programs in school curricula, as well as the elements that contribute to the success of these programs. Furthermore, this study examines the effects of recycling educational programs on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of second and third grade students at Fox Creek Elementary School in Bloomington, Illinois. This study reveals that recycling education can positively impact the environmental attitudes and behaviors of students and increase their knowledge. The culmination of this project provides suggestions for how Unit 5 schools can increase and improve environmental education programs within their curricula