You’ve heard it before: reduce, reuse, and recycle. But have you really put in the effort to follow that simple mantra? With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, I’ve made my list of New Year’s resolutions, and being more eco-friendly is at the top of my list.
Teaching kids to recycle is an easy way to get the entire family to go green. With just a little crafty inspiration, knowledge, and this guide from AllFreeKidsCrafts, you can make your New Year’s resolution a success. Kids are guaranteed to love these recycled crafts and learning activities, and you’ll love making a difference in your family’s lifestyle this year.
Step 1: Get the Info
Did you know that turning the tap off when you brush your teeth can save up to 8 gallons of water per day? Or did you know that recycling just one aluminum can provides enough energy for you to listen to a full album on your iPod? There are tons of cool things to learn about recycling! To really make the most of your New Year’s Resolution, start teaching kids about recycling by using fun facts like these. It won’t cost you anything at all to start learning how to recycle; in fact, the amount of money you can save when you recycle will amaze you.
Step 2: Get Crafty!
You can reuse just about anything you put your mind to, and these recycled crafts for kids are some of our best. Toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and plastic bottles are some of the things you go through the most, but there are tons of other things you can recycle into cool craft projects! Let’s take a look at some unique ways to use items around the house:
Egg Cartons
Charming Egg Carton Buttons: add some flair to your latest craft projects for next to nothing!
Egg Carton Frog: this adorable little critter is actually one of our Top 100 Projects of 2013, and it’s easy to see why. Who can resist a craft that’s both cute and thrifty?
Egg-o-Math Game: re-purpose an egg carton into an educational activity for kids!
Toilet Paper Rolls
The King’s Recycled Castle: you’ll be the King (or Queen) of going green with this fun recycled craft.
Paper Roll Pencil Organizers: want to learn how to get organized this year, too? With these toilet paper roll crafts, you can be eco-friendly and organized all in one.
Cardboard Tube Minion Crafts: because who doesn’t love those silly yellow fellows?
Plastic Bottles
Soda Bottle Terrarium: this is by far my favorite way to reuse a plastic bottle. Teaching kids the importance of taking care of the earth is much cooler when they can watch something grow.
Creative Cuff Bracelets: turn going green into a fashion statement with this trendy recycled craft for kids.
Miss Money-Saving Squid: cutting down on the trash in your home means making new friends, like this cute creature!
For more entertaining and economical projects, check out our full collection of 92 Recycled Crafts.
Step 3: Go Further
You’ve got the crafts and the facts, so now what? Execution is the most important part of a New Year’s resolution, so it’s time to go further with your new eco-friendly life! Here are a few more fun ideas to help you become a friend to the environment:
DIY Recycling Bins: these recycled crafts from Relish are a fabulously fresh way to go green. Kids will love recycling with these fun and funky bins!
Printable Recycling Coloring Pages: these free printables from Color Me Good are…
My Garbology: this interactive online game for kids will help kids learn about what to recycle, compost, and reuse.
Teaching Kids to Recycle: Earth 911 has come up with five fantastic, interactive ways to teach kids about recycling
Step 3.5: Go Green! (Literally)
Think you have to wait for spring to get started on your New Year’s resolution? Think again! These planting projects can easily be done inside during the winter, so you can get started on your New Year’s resolution ASAP!
Recycled Newspaper Seed Planters
P.S.: I just can’t stop writing about recycled crafts for kids! (Can you tell I’m really looking forward to going green in 2014?) If you’re eager to be more eco-friendly, you’ll love learning how to craft with magazines, what to make with old jeans, and how to reuse old CDs!
