Yes, it is back to school time. So you're probably thinking of those three R's: readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmatic.

But I'm talking about a different set, the set that involves reduce, reuse and recycle. Getting kids involved in this has many great outcomes, not the least of which is taking care of a planet that will soon be theirs.

Here are a few ideas for getting your little ones involved.

• Show your kids what the recycling symbol looks like and what it means.
• Recycle at home. Your kids can even have a contest where they each have their own bin. Whoever fills theirs first, wins! They will be hunting down cans, plastic bottles, glass containers, newspaper, and even wrappers and labels form non-recyclable containers. Before you know it, you'll be recycling more than you put out for trash!
• Give them real life examples of how what they are doing is making their world a better place. Show them that the rubber mat at the playground is made from recycled tires or that the paper towels you bought are made from recycled paper.
• See how much they can reduce the amount of things they use reusing some items instead of throwing them out immediately. Color BOTH sides of the paper and then use it as a paper airplane before putting in the recycling. And instead of throwing out a stained shirt, use the cloth for a craft project like making doll clothes or a quilt pieces.
• Compost leftovers instead of putting them in the trash. Maybe they could even start their own garden and use the compost to fertilize it.
• Keep a bin in the car so you can bring home recyclables when eating out instead of throwing them in the trashcan. We do this with glass juice bottles the boys get when we head to the coffee shop. I also bring home my plastic coffee cup and it goes in the bin, too.

Getting your child's interest sparked can lead to a whole new world! What other great things do you do to get your kids involved in the three R's?