At Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, we believe learning should be engaging, meaningful, and connected to the real world. This month, through our partnership with LADWP, we are learning about sustainability through a program called From Trash to Treasure: Recycling and Upcycling Projects.
This initiative encourages kids to look at everyday items differently. Instead of immediately throwing something away, we ask: What else could this become? That shift in thinking opens the door to creativity while building awareness around how much we waste.
The difference between recycling and upcycling.
Recycling is the process of turning used materials into something new.
Upcycling focuses on reusing items in creative ways without breaking them down.
Both play an important role in reducing waste, conserving resources, and protecting our environment. This program teaches kids that sustainability is not complicated; It’s something they can practice every day. Through our partnership with LADWP, members are also learning that even water can be recycled and reused to help conserve one of our most important resources.
At the Club, our upcycling projects include:
- Turning plastic bottles into planters
- Reusing cardboard for imaginative play
- Repurposing old clothing into cleaning cloths and tote bags.
These activities help kids see the value in reusing materials. They also empower young people! When kids take something simple and turn it into something new, they build confidence. They begin to see themselves as creators and problem solvers, capable of making positive choices for their environment.
Our partnership with LADWP allows us to connect these projects to a bigger purpose. Through this collaboration, we are not only introducing environmental concepts but also showing our members how their actions contribute to a healthier community. It helps connect what they are learning to real world impact.
Learn More and Take Action
Families who want to continue these conservation conversations at home can explore additional resources from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Many of the habits our members are learning at the Club can be continued at home using the resources below.
- LADWP Water Conservation Tips
https://www.ladwp.com/waterconservation
- LADWP Save Energy at Home
https://www.ladwp.com/save
- LADWP Sustainability Programs & Rebates
https://www.ladwp.com/residential-services
- LADWP Recycled Water Program
https://www.ladwp.com/who-we-are/water-system/recycled-water
These resources provide simple, practical ways for families to reduce waste, conserve water, and use energy more efficiently. By making small changes at home, families can build on what their kids are learning at the Club and contribute to a more sustainable Los Angeles.
