If you’ve ever wondered what kids today think about recycling, you’re in the right place. I decided to interview my 8-year-old son, Alexander, to find out about the recycling program at his elementary school. After asking a few predetermined questions, my son mentioned global warming, so I decided to take that as an opportunity to learn more about how an 8-year-old perceives climate change.

Melissa Hincha-Ownby: What kind of recycling program is in place at your school? Alexander: Twice a week students take recycling bins from each class, empty them into the big recycling cans and then put the recycling bins back in the classrooms. We recycle paper and cardboard. I get the nurse’s recycling bin. Melissa: Why do you recycle at school? Alexander: There are two reasons: One, because we want to help the world; and two, because it is possible to recycle at my school. Melissa: Why do you want to help the world? Alexander: To stop global warming and to keep nature’s living things alive. Melissa: You’re only 8; what do you know about global warming? Alexander: I know that global warming is hurting the environment a lot by making trees and plants unable to live. It can also cause waters to rise, and that could cause extinction of the Galapagos penguins. Melissa: What would you tell kids that don’t have a recycling program at their school? Alexander: I would say at least try to recycle at home. Melissa: If you could tell adults one thing about protecting the environment, what would it be? Alexander: Try to stop global warming so penguins can survive and so humans can have a healthy earth. Melissa: What do you want to be when you grow up? Alexander: I most likely want to be a vulcanologist, but I’m thinking about being a meteorologist or climatologist. Alexander is an 8-year-old student finishing the third grade. He’s always had a love of science and recently met someone that is cooler than Santa Claus, Randy Cerveny, climatologist extraordinaire. In his spare time, Alex writes blog posts and records green tips for his mother’s website, Raising Them Green.