A cleaner buffalo starts at home!

Buffalo’s future starts with you! 🌱 Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, there are countless ways you can contribute to a cleaner, greener city—right from your home. From reducing waste and conserving water to planting gardens and recycling properly, small changes make a big impact. Join Groundwork Buffalo as we work together to create a more sustainable and vibrant community. Let’s roll up our sleeves, make smarter choices, and build a healthier Buffalo for generations to come. Your home is the starting point for change—let’s make it count!

Let’s turn everyday items into opportunities to help the planet! 🌍 In this activity, kids will learn how to become environmental heroes by figuring out whether common household items should be reused, recycled, or composted. By making the right choices, we can reduce waste, save resources, and keep our Earth clean. Ready to dive in and discover how easy it is to make a big difference? Let’s go green together! ♻️🌱

Use these questions to help decide if items should be recycled, reused, composted or thrown in the trash:

Recycled:

• Is this item made of paper, plastic, glass, or metal?
• Is the item clean and free of food residue? (Dirty or contaminated items typically cannot be recycled)
• Does your local recycling program accept this type of material? (Check local guidelines, as not all materials are universally accepted)

Reused:

• Can this item be used again for its original purpose? (For example, a glass jar can be reused to store food)
• Can this item be repurposed or used in a new way around the house? (Think of ways to upcycle it)
• Is the item in good condition and safe to use again? (Broken or worn-out items may need to be discarded)

Composted:

• Is this item organic or biodegradable? (Food scraps, paper, and yard waste are examples of compostable materials)
• Will this item break down naturally without harming the environment? (Avoid composting plastics or synthetic materials)
• Is the item free of chemicals, dyes, or coatings that could disrupt the composting process? (Glossy paper, for example, is often non-compostable)

Thrown Away:

• Is the item non-recyclable, non-reusable, and non-compostable? (If none of the other categories apply, it may need to go in the trash)
• Is the item contaminated with food, chemicals, or other hazardous materials? (These items usually cannot be recycled or composted)
• Does your local waste program require this type of material to be landfilled? (Certain items, like non-recyclable plastics, often belong in the trash)

Water is one of our most precious resources, and every little effort to save it makes a big difference! Whether you're at home, in the garden, or brushing your teeth, there are fun and simple ways to cut back on water waste. Ready to become a water-saving superhero? Take on these exciting challenges and see how much water you can save—Buffalo’s environment will thank you! 🌍💙

The Super Speed Shower 🚿

• Challenge: Can you take a shower in under 4 minutes? Set a timer, get in, get clean, and get out while saving gallons of water! Bonus points if you beat your personal best!

The Toothbrush Shutoff 🚱

• Challenge: Turn off the water while you brush your teeth for a week. Keep track of how many times you do it! How much water did you save compared to leaving it running?

The Dishwashing Showdown 🍽️

• Challenge: Only fill the sink once for washing dishes, and rinse them all at once. See if you can challenge your family members to do the same and compare how much water you save together!

The Water Detective 🔎

• Challenge: Search your house for leaky faucets or pipes. Can you spot any sneaky drips? If you do, fix them with an adult and help stop those leaks from wasting water!

The Bucket Challenge 💦

• Challenge: Next time it rains, leave a bucket outside to collect rainwater. Use that water for your plants instead of the garden hose. How many plants can you water using just the rain?

Objective: Let’s help families save energy at home! This scavenger hunt is all about finding items that either waste or save energy around your house. The goal is to spot what you can fix and discover how small changes can help save power—and the planet!

Search around your home and check off the items you find. Is it an Energy-Waster or an Energy-Saver? Mark each one, and see how many energy-saving changes your family can make by the end of the hunt!

Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs 💡

• 🟢 Energy-Saver: LED or CFL bulbs that use less power.
• 🔴 Energy-Waster: Old, incandescent bulbs that use more electricity.

Chargers Left Plugged In 🔌

• 🟢 Energy-Saver: All chargers unplugged when not in use.
• 🔴 Energy-Waster: Chargers left plugged in even when nothing is charging.

Appliances on Standby 🖥️

• 🟢 Energy-Saver: Appliances turned off completely (e.g., TV, computer).
• 🔴 Energy-Waster: Appliances on standby mode or left running when not in use.

Windows and Doors Insulated 🪟

• 🟢 Energy-Saver: Well-insulated windows and doors that prevent drafts.
• 🔴 Energy-Waster: Drafty windows and doors that let in cold air or heat.

Thermostat Settings 🌡️

• 🟢 Energy-Saver: Thermostat set to an energy-saving temperature (turn down in winter, turn up in summer).
• 🔴 Energy-Waster: Thermostat cranked up high in winter or left on too low in summer.

Lights Left On 💡

• 🟢 Energy-Saver: Lights turned off when leaving a room.
• 🔴 Energy-Waster: Lights left on in empty rooms.
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How Many Changes Can You Make? 📝
After your scavenger hunt, tally up how many energy-saving changes your family can make. Can you unplug more chargers, switch off lights, or replace old bulbs? The more changes you make, the more energy you save—and the more you help the planet! 🌍