Going Green

Get Inspired: Japan’s Town With No Waste

Let's go green! Planet earth is our collective home, and we need to do all we can to protect her. We're inviting your family to explore some of the many ways we can make changes in our lives to be more green. Check out this video about the town of Kamikatsu and their journey to create zero waste as a community.

As the seasons change, be mindful of all that nature provides for us. What can we do in return? Thankfully, there are tons of different ways we can support our environment. From reducing waste to supporting local ecosystems - your family can make a big difference!

Let’s Talk

After watching the video, Japan's Town with No Waste, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family:

• What inspired you about the town of Kamikatsu? Why is their work to reduce waste so important?

• How did members of the community work together to make positive change? Why was collaboration important?

• Think about a time when you helped the environment, like planted flowers, or chose to recycle. How did that make you feel? Can going green bring joy?

• Bonus! Get creative with your trash. Try looking at trash differently before you throw it away. Could that be used again or made into something new?

Do Something: Upcycled Butterfly Feeder

Did you know there are more than 100 species of butterflies in the Chicago region? Reduce waste and support local wildlife with this fun upcycled butterfly feeder.

Save an old ketchup or honey bottle for this project! Check out this video to learn how you can invite butterflies in your backyard.

Illinois kids have been helping butterflies for decades! In 1974 a 3rd grader from Illinois suggested that the Monarch Butterfly become the state insect. In 1975 it was officially approved and organizations across the state have been working hard to support butterflies ever since!

Take a picture of your butterfly feeder and tag us at #honeycombathome or @honeycombproject

Community Connections: Reduce Food Waste

Did you know that according to the USDA, over 130 Billion pounds of food is wasted and dumped into landfills in the United States every year? We can all do our parts to reduce food waste at restaurants and around our homes by buying only what we need, cooking with perishable items first, and even creating our own compost bins!

Make the most of what you have in your kitchen. Try to use ingredients that are perishable first and make sure to seal the food you don't use in an air tight container. Check out the EPA's 6 Week Food Waste Challenge for more tips on saving food and learn about how you and your family can reduce food waste at home.