Art can be anything you want it to be, from fixing up a car to dancing or painting. So, have fun and get creative with these 5 tips on how to make you and your child’s art more eco-friendly
- Upcycling
Tons of craft or art projects can be done with everyday items, from old clothes to cardboard boxes. After all, art is the time to get creative! There are many books and websites that can help give you some ideas. One of our favorites is www.recyclart.org
- (re)Using Paper
Teach your kids how to conserve their use of paper. If cutting it, show them how to fit as many shapes on one sheet, and save scraps for later projects.
- Branch out
Use fresh greenery to create garlands, wreaths, swags, and to add to centerpieces and flower arrangements to decorate your home.
- Make your gifts
Who doesn’t love getting a homemade quilt or scarf as a present? Even baked goods are a fantastic way to show your appreciation for someone. Making your own gifts is beneficial in many ways; you get to start (or show off) a hobby, save money, and do your part to help the environment by not purchasing pre-made and packaged goods! If you don’t have time for this, try purchasing eco-friendly gifts instead.
- Try something new
Going outside your normal routine can help raise your life and your art to a new level. Plus, new experiences are proven to build connections in the brain, keeping it young and healthy. So go ahead, try painting with berries instead of paint or ink, or build a new nightstand for your home. You could surprise yourself with your talent.
Upcycle to a Greener Home
The average American produces about 4.6 pounds of waste every day. That means waste reduction is as important as recycling for eliminating items that end up in landfills. Reduce your waste by turning ‘trash’ into treasures. These crafty upcycling ideas will help jump start a chic and eco-friendly lifestyle.
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Recycle your old crayons. Reuse old candle jars |
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Upcycle your tissue boxes |
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Plastic + Yarn = PLARN |
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New life for old plates & vases |
Use old computer parts for awesome jewery!
http://www.craftbits.com/project/computer-keyboard-bracelet
Reuse paper in these fun, crafty ways!
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=255119.0
Find new uses for old or unused clipboards
http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2010/1/10/flickr-finds-clipboards.html
Don’t let old pens and markers sit in a landfill anymore!
http://www.greenecoservices.com/19-ways-to-reuse-and-recycle-pens/
Toilet paper rolls make great craft projects!
http://www.freekidscrafts.com/tp_dozer-e1151.html
Other Upcycling Ideas
http://www.recycling-revolution.com/reuse-trash-ideas.html
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Join a local group to recycle items that others might find useful!
http://www.freecycle.org/about/background
Not crafty? That’s fine. Terracycle would love to have items like pens and wrappers that you’d normally throw away!
http://www.terracycle.net/en-US/brigades.html