It may not feel like a lot, but every time you reduce, reuse, and recycle, you’re making a difference. But, sometimes going green can seem like a chore. If you want to add some fun to your quest to be environmentally friendly, here are five DIY recycled crafts that you and your kids can create to find new uses for salvaged materials.
Piggy Bank
Save a two-liter bottle and start saving money with this recycled piggy bank! You can take the concept literally and create a cute pig, or you can create a depository that represents your favorite animal. Try painting an inspirational quote on it for a constant reminder of the goals you’ve set for your student.
Bird Feeder
Bird feeders are a great way to give back to the environment around you, and there are so many different styles that you can create. One type of bird feeder that you’re likely to have all of the supplies for is this toilet paper roll bird feeder that uses peanut butter, seeds, and string.
Button Wind Chime
Springtime is often associated with bright colors, so add some color to your recycled crafts by making a colorful, button wind chime, and enjoy the peaceful noise that comes with it. Let your students reuse buttons, can tops, or any materials you have on hand, and see what patterns or they create.
Decorative Planters
There’s a lot you can do with old tin cans, starting with turning them into colorful planters for a decorative garden. Gardens offer a terrific learning opportunity, so why not incorporate recycling into your homemade garden by using old soup cans. There are really all kinds of indoor options for a recycled garden!
Marble Game
Simple recycled materials and sturdy construction can make a fun game for students of any age. Build a marble run or a Foosball table with a shoebox and craft sticks, and let the games begin!
Be sure to visit the K12 Pinterest Board for Earth friendly ideas, too!
Share your recycled crafts in the comments below or on social media.
Related Content
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- Teaching Kids the Importance of Recycling
- Outdoor Learning Activities: 5 Opportunities for This Spring
- How Gardens for Kids Inspire Learning
- Kindergarten Science Learning Activity: Salad Garden
- 3rd Grade Science Learning Activity: Botanical Garden
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