1. For each tree
or plant, give out printed instructions describing where to plant, how
to care for the plant, and when to transplant it. Make sure the name
of the tree is printed on the instructions.
2. Do the planting
on tables covered with a washable tablecloth if
possible. (Adults have a hard time bending over for long periods of
time, and it's easier for younger children to stand at a table.)
3. The plants may
be root bound, making it difficult for the children to
remove the tree from the pot. Have some sharp wooden sticks that will
fit into the tiny holes of the pots to loosen up the roots. Make sure
you do this ahead of time. Then squeeze the sides to loosen it up and
make it easy to remove the plant without injuring it.
4. If you're using
potting soil, place the bag inside a larger bag so that the
soil doesn't get all over the place.
5. Make sure you
have reusable cloth towels handy for wiping up spills and dirty hands.
Wash them and use them over and over again to prevent waste. If you
have no choice but to use disposable towels, purchase paper towels made
of recycled content.
6. Explain why we
plant trees. We plant trees to make our world more beautiful, to create
oxygen from carbon dioxide, and to replace trees that have been destroyed.
7. Explain the importance
of conserving trees by reducing, reusing, recycling and purchasing recycled
products as often as possible. For example, take your own bags to the
store when shopping, use scrap paper whenever possible, and pack a waste-free
lunch. When you go out to eat, take a reusable container with you so
you can take home the leftovers. Elicit ideas from the students if possible.
wastefreelunches.org!
