Recycling is a Beautiful Thing in California - A Great Teaching Moment for Kids & Families

Eco Lifestyle

As a Baby Boomer I'm old enough to remember growing up in 1970 when April 22 was first officially designated as Earth Day. In fact the year before, in 1979, I did my 8th grade research paper on the ecological impact that the devastating Santa Barbara Oil Spill had on marine life along the coast of California.

Santa Monica Bay View from the Bel Air Bay Club, Pacific Palisades, CA 

Sadly people are still dumping into this waterway leading to the Pacific Ocean

Decades later I've continued to strive to decrease my carbon footprint with things like organic gardening and composting as well as eco-friendly recycled crafts, responsible disposal of electronics and the promotion of environmental awareness.

Now that I'm a mom I've realized it more than ever -- Living green definitely begins at home.  So I've made it my mission to pass that caring for eco responsibility here in L.A. on to my kids beginning when my now-teens were just toddlers.

One of my triplets helping out with cleanup when she was a toddler

My hubbie and our two sons at work planting a Title 1 School Garden

Our whole family has been involved in a range of eco-friendly activities from volunteering to pick up trash at the beach overlooking Santa Monica Bay to helping to plant gardens at public schools to tossing everything that could possibly qualify into the green and blue recycling bins that the city provides. 

I love this mural at my kids high school made almost entirely of bottle caps

My favorite Arrowhead product is Sparkling Water seen here at a local store

Families like mine can and should do everything we are able to live a greener life. But we can't do it alone. That's why it's a good thing that big companies like Arrowhead Water -- which is a brand with a long history that began right here in Southern California where I live -- are so devoted to doing their part too, because as the infographic below shows, the U.S. has a BIG recycling problem. And it's particularly note-worthy to point out that in 2011 California alone 2.8 billion plastic beverage bottles were unfortunately, NOT recycled.

Click HERE to see enlarged infographic

Recycling is one of the easiest and most beneficial ways we can all help the environment. Sadly, only about 30% of PET plastic bottles get recycled. For recycling to work, we all have to do our part. 

Unfortunately, not all plastic bottles are made with recycled plastic. It’s Arrowheads goal to continue increasing the use of recycled materials in their bottles, but they need everyone’s help. Currently, there isn’t enough recycled plastic available for Arrowhead to make 100% rPET bottles.

See why recycling really is a beautiful thing in this video

Don't wait for Earth Day 2013. 

Why not make recycling a part of your family’s routine today?

The Reborn Bottle, Image provided by Arrowhead

For more information about the new Arrowhead Reborn Bottle which is made with 50% recycled plastic and more about the brand's commitment to educating the public you are invited to visit and like the Arrowhead Water Facebook Page.

How are you teaching your children about recycling and being kind to the environment? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts and experiences.

Image provided by Arrowhead

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