Showcase Magazine Autumn 2026 - Flipbook - Page 26
ENVIRONMENT &
SUSTAINABILITY
SIMPLE WAYS EARLY YEARS
SETTINGS CAN REDUCE
OVERCONSUMPTION
Creating a more sustainable setting doesn’t have to mean making huge changes overnight. In
fact, some of the most effective ways to reduce overconsumption come from small, everyday
choices. By thinking carefully about how resources are purchased, used and reused, settings can
reduce waste, save money and help children develop positive habits that will last a lifetime. Here
are three simple ways you can make a difference.
Swap Single-Use for Reusable
Give Pre-Loved Resources a Second Life
Many settings use disposable products every
day without realising how much waste they
create over time. Wherever possible, consider
replacing single use items with reusable
alternatives. Simple swaps, such as washable
cleaning cloths, flannels, refillable glue/paint
bottles and fabric aprons, can make a
significant difference. These small changes
not only reduce your setting’s environmental
impact but also help children see
sustainable choices becoming part of
everyday life.
Not everything has to be brand new. Many secondhand resources are just as engaging and valuable as
new ones, while helping to reduce waste and save your
setting money. Books, puzzles, furniture, role-play
equipment and loose parts can all be sourced from
families, charity shops or local community groups.
Giving resources a second life reduces the demand for
new products and keeps perfectly good items out of
landfill. If you’re looking for specific resources, a simple
notice to parents requesting donations of unwanted
items can often uncover a wealth of useful resources
that would otherwise go to waste.
Bring Nature into Play
Every Small Change Counts
Nature provides some of the best learning resources and
they’re often completely free. Instead of regularly
purchasing new plastic toys and activities, encourage
children to explore and play with natural materials. These
open-ended resources inspire imagination, creativity and
problem solving while helping children build a stronger
connection with the natural world. Creating areas for loose
parts play using natural and reclaimed materials reduces
unnecessary spending while providing rich opportunities
for exploration and discovery.
Reducing overconsumption isn’t about
being perfect, it’s just about making
thoughtful choices that have a positive
impact over time. By reusing resources,
choosing reusable alternatives and
embracing nature-based play, settings
can reduce waste, make budgets stretch
further and help children develop an
appreciation for caring for the world
around them.
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Showcase Training 26
