A Resolution to Reuse

“I resolve to teach my child to reuse!” Make 2013 the year your family learns to find creative ways to repurpose recyclables for some creative projects. It’s a fun resolution that will help make a difference for our planet. Using “trash” for creating projects is inexpensive, fun and educational. Get your thinking caps on, take a look around and start designing your next conservation project.

Need a little inspiration? We have a few simple ideas to get you started.

Project one: Postcards

Use your child’s favorite empty cereal box for postcards!

You will need:
- 1 empty cereal box (or more)
- Markers

- Postage

Directions:
1. Take the empty box and cut it into 4”x6” pieces.

2. Divide the card in half with a marker. Write the delivery address on the right side. Let your child fill the left side with a fun note or picture for their grandparents, a relative or friend.

3. Put on a stamp, and drop their postcard in the mail!

4. Finally, place any leftover box pieces in the recycle bin and voila, you’ve taught your child how to reuse (and recycle).

Project two: Binoculars from Toilet Paper Rolls

Turn those toilet paper rolls or paper towel tubes into binoculars. This project uses minimal craft supplies, and if you’re resourceful, you won't have to buy anything.

You will need:  

- 2 toilet paper rolls or a long paper towel tube, cut in half, for each pair of binoculars
- Other reusable items to decorate their binoculars:

* Fabric - like old blue jeans
* Newsprint or other recycled paper

* Old buttons

* Crayons or paint
- Glue or use 2 twist ties to join the tubes
- String, shoelace or leftover ribbon for a neck cord (optional)

Directions:
1. Start by letting your child decorate their two tubes anyway they want!

2. Help your child secure their tubes together. This can be done in one of two ways. The first would be to simply glue the two tubes together. Use clothespins or binder clips at the edges to hold together while the glue dries. The second is to secure the tubes together with twist ties. Poke two holes in each recycled tube, about a ½ inch from the edge, on both ends of the rolls. Join the two tubes, using the twist ties, by lining up the four holes and twisting the ties inside the tube. Tuck any leftover ends out of the way.

3. If you want to include a neck cord, recommended only for older kids, poke one hole in each tube on the outside edge of the binoculars about ½ inch from the edge. Slip a string, shoelace or ribbon through the outer two holes for the neck cord. Make sure it's long enough for kids to take the binoculars on and off easily.

4. Take your children on a nature walk and have them tell you what they spot with their new binoculars!

Project 3: Imagination Diorama!

Take any recyclables you have and give them to your children to create a nature scene. They might cut out a milk carton for a tree, use old newspapers to create a mountain scene or make egg carton animals. You never know what they will come up with using the items you give them for materials – let their imagination be their guide for their new art creation.

Teaching children to reduce, recycle and REUSE is important for protecting the future of our environment. Make it your New Year’s resolution to spend time teaching your family about ways to repurpose old to create new; your plan makes a difference!