Things Kids Can Make Out of Recyclables

Recyclable items can be made into fun crafts for kids.

It is a common phrase that "one man’s trash is another man’s treasure." So, instead of simply throwing away old clothes, bottles and other recyclable items, have fun with the kids making new and exciting things from them. With some creative ideas, children can learn the importance of recycling while making enjoyable new toys and crafts they will truly treasure.

Clothing

Kids can recycle old or unworn clothing and make exciting new crafts. Old clothing can be given a new lease on life by tie-dying it. Kids can be encouraged to use their imagination by creating character puppets from old socks or gloves to play with. Unworn clothing, such as denim jeans, overalls or shirts, can be transformed into useful bags or backpacks. If your child loves to read, they can even be used to make unusual, resourceful book covers.

Plastic Bottles

Thousands of plastic bottles are thrown away each day, but, with some crafting, your child can give plastic bottles a new look while learning about the importance of recycling. Plastic bottles can be used to make money banks, which can be decorated with foam and paint. They can also be transformed into animal shapes, for example penguins, caterpillars or whatever animal your child desires. Kids can make and play with their own bowling set from bottles. Empty plastic bottles can be cut down to size, decorated and used as useful pencil holders. For kids who love music or just making a noise, plastic bottles can be made into fun noisemakers.

Bottle Caps

Bottle caps can be recycled into fascinating crafts for your kid to create. Kids can decorate them and transform them into little magnets to stick all over the refrigerator. If you have lots of bottle caps, they can be made into a snake shape. Single bottle caps can be used to make unique pieces of jewelry. Used bottle caps can be made into a tambourine for your kids to become musicians.

Cardboard Tubes

There are many things that your kid can make using cardboard tubes that are not used anymore. Cardboard tubes can be used to create new toy animals or people, for example a soldier or a pirate. For those children who enjoy music, they can be made into miniature drums and large tubes can be made into rain sticks. Smaller cardboard tubes can be decorated and placed on desks as pencil holders. If your child enjoys imaginative play and dressing up, binoculars or spyglasses made from used cardboard tubes are an exciting craft to make.

References

• Disney Family Fun: Crafts Made from Recyclables
• Free Kids Crafts: Recycled Crafts
• Ziggity Zoom: Kids Craft Projects Out of Household Recycled Materials