Getting crafty with recyclables

April 10, 2020| Environment

By: Melanie Wedemeier

This April 22 will mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. As a part of a countdown to the big day, we will be posting some tips, projects, and resources all centered around the environment.

This post focuses on some DIY home and garden projects using supplies and recyclables you can find around your house. These are simple crafts for all ages, and perfect spring break projects to do with the kids! We encourage the use of non-toxic paints and challenge everyone to create these projects without purchasing anything new!

Plastic Bottle Bird House

This project is perfect for all of those empty plastic bottles filling up your recycling bins. Soda, water, shampoo, and detergent bottles will all work. Create a spot for the feathered friends in your yard! Simply cut a hole toward the bottom for an entrance, add a pipe cleaner or string to hang it with, and decorate.  Get as creative as you like! 

Materials:

• Empty plastic bottle
• Scissors or knife
• Pipe cleaner or string
• Paints, markers, decorations
• Glue (if you cut the top off)

Check out the super cute examples in the video below: 

Pollinator Watering Station 

Great for bees and butterflies! 

Pollinators are vital to creating and maintaining the habitats and ecosystems that many animals (including humans!) rely on for food and shelter. Pollinator watering stations provide a safe place to hydrate and can be as simple as a shallow bowl filled with water and a few rocks. Make sure the rocks stay above the water to provide a place to rest and drink. You can make your watering station a little fancier by using colored marbles or polished stones. If you want to make it sturdier, simply cover the bottom of your container with a thin coat of non-toxic glue and then place pebbles along the bottom of the dish. Once dried, add water, and set out in the sun!

Materials:

• Wide shallow container/bucket
• Nontoxic glue (Elmer’s works perfectly)
• Pebbles, polished stones, or marbles
• Water 

Check out a simple example in the video below:

Plastic Bottle Planters

Another great way to make use of those empty plastic bottles! Simply cut to the shape you like, decorate, and add some soil for your plant or seeds. 

Materials:

• Empty plastic bottle
• Scissors or knife
• Paint or markers
• Potting soil
• Plant or seeds

Check out some adorable animal planters in the video below:

Homemade Bird Feeders

It's so simple to make a homemade bird feeder to attract all kinds of birds to your yard or window. Just gather some of the materials below and assemble! 

Materials:

• Birdseed
• Peanut butter or honey
• Pinecone or toilet paper tube
• String

Check out how to make a standard pinecone bird feeder in the video below: 

Don't have any pinecones? Don't worry, you can also use a toilet paper tube!