Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
As spring blooms around us, it’s the perfect time to celebrate Earth Day with crafts that give new life to recycled materials. Nothing detracts from the beautiful view of the Natural State more than a Styrofoam cup at the base of a waterfall, a plastic bag in a pond or a water bottle on the grass of the greenway. I saw it on our way home from spring break and it got me thinking.
This spring, what if we kept a grocery sack or trash bag in our car to collect trash we see while walking or in shared spaces? If it’s not too dirty or contaminated, what if I could transform litter into an opportunity to craft with my son or nieces? I often come across ideas for creating things using toilet paper rolls or water bottles, and Earth Day seems like a great time to start working on our county fair project list.
Tips for Trash Pickup in Outdoor Spaces
Picking up trash is an easy way to cultivate a sense of responsibility. Make it a regular habit to collect litter whenever you encounter it. Whether walking through a parking lot or along a trail, being part of a community that values cleanliness and understands the impact of littering in preserved areas will enhance your appreciation for the outdoors and inspire a movement for change.
Think about it: If you put on your eyes to watch for backyard birds and wildlife or observe new spring flowers, can you apply those same observation skills to pick up trash while enjoying waterfalls, rivers, trails and hikes?
- Keep a plastic grocery bag with your bike gear, or grab one for your pocket when you go on a walk.
- If you intentionally go on a trash cleanup project, include a grabbing tool or gloves.
- It might not be easy to manage all the trash you encounter, but when you can safely remove something, find a nearby trashcan and dispose of the items you collect.
- Organize an easy trash cleanup event with your neighbors or friends, and inform them about the most effective ways to dispose of the collected trash. Provide a meeting time and location, and specify the area you plan to clean.
- Sort the collected items into recyclables and non-recyclables. Clean the items thoroughly before using them for crafts.
- Establishing a home recycling system for crafting is an easy way to create a collection of craft materials. Designate a craft bin and guide children on recognizing potential crafting supplies. Make sure all items are cleaned before storage to avoid odors and contamination.
Every piece of litter you collect makes a difference. Cleaning up natural spaces also prevents pollution, supports wildlife and their habitats.
Crafts to Make with Recycled Items
Crafting with recyclables promotes sustainability and brings families together for enjoyable, meaningful activities. It allows for conversations and exchanging ideas while creating something unique together. Recycled crafts are also simple projects to undertake while camping; since they often require no preparation, they provide an easy way to engage.
3 craft ideas for recycled plastics:
- Plastic Bottle Planters: Cut plastic bottles in half, decorate the bottom portion with paint or markers, and use them as small plant pots for herbs or flowers.
- Upcycled Storage Containers: Transform large plastic containers (like milk jugs or detergent bottles) into organizers by cutting off the top and decorating the sides with tape, paint or stickers.
- Plastic Spoon Flowers: Shape and paint plastic spoons to resemble petals, then assemble them into a colorful bouquet.
4 craft ideas using recycled paper materials:
- Paper Roll Butterflies: Use empty toilet paper rolls as the butterfly’s body and cut colorful recycled paper (like old magazines or gift wrap) into wings.
- Recycled Paper Garland: Cut shapes like stars, hearts or flowers from old newspapers, magazines or junk mail. String them together to create a festive garland for decoration.
- Cardboard postcards: Save the packaging from any finished pantry items, such as cereal boxes, snack boxes and drink cartons. Break them down and cut them into 4×6-inch cards. On the blank side, write a note, stamp with fruit, paint flowers or use sponges to stamp and apply peel-and-stick labels to address them on the printed side.
- Egg Carton Flowers or Fairies: Cut the individual egg cups from a cardboard egg carton, then trim and paint them to look like flower petals or fairy skirts. Add details like pipe cleaner stems or wings from other recycled materials to finish your creations.
6 craft ideas using recycled metal products:
- Aluminum Can Lanterns: Cut patterns into cleaned aluminum cans using scissors or a craft knife. Place an LED tea light inside for a shimmering lantern effect.
- Bottle Cap Magnets: Decorate the insides of metal bottle caps with small designs, photos or stickers, and glue a magnet to the back for fun and functional fridge decor.
- Tin Can Herb Planters: Clean and paint tin cans, then use them as planters for herbs or small flowers. Using a can opener, punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
- Wind Chimes: To create a tinkling wind chime, use aluminum cans, lids and metal pieces. Connect the items using a fishing line or twine.
- Tin Can Vases: Paint tin cans from soup or vegetables and add plants for charming spring gifts. You can also use these as pencil cups or to store craft materials.
- Recycled metal bird feeders: Save a pie plate and a large tin can. Use the can opener on the top, then peel around the edges with the triangle can opener to make feeding divots. Make one divot on each side of the can at the top. Glue the can to the middle of the pie plate. String a pipe cleaner or string through the holes on the top to make a hangar. Fill with birdseed and hang in a tree.
3 craft ideas using recycled glass:
- Glass Jar Vases: Clean and decorate old glass jars with paint, twine or washi tape. Use them as vases for fresh or dried flowers. Add an LED candle for a lantern.
- Mosaic Art: Break old glass bottles, jars or coffee mugs into small pieces (safely and carefully) and use them to create colorful mosaic designs on frames, tabletops or stepping stones.
- Hanging Candle Holders: Wrap a sturdy wire around the necks of glass jars to create a hanging loop. Insert LED candles or tealights for decorative lanterns.
Always remember to handle recycled materials carefully for your own safety. But, use this time of year to inspire yourself with spring scenes and turning trash into treasures!
We do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
Like this story? Read more from Keisha Pittman McKinney
Spring is the perfect time to visit Camden, Arkansas! As the daffodils...
Every spring, students across Arkansas gather for an intense battle of...
Spring in Arkansas is about to become even more breathtaking! Downtown...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment