A method of teaching recycling to children using a plush toy body shell having a closeable opening into an interior portion of the plush toy body shell is disclosed. In a first step recyclable material is provided. In a second step, the child is instructed to insert the recyclable material in the interior portion of the plush toy body shell until the plush toy body shell is filled with recyclable material. In a third step, the child is instructed to close the opening of the plush toy body shell to make a complete stuffed toy.