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Projects & Activities

 

Using or buying less stuff is the best way to reduce waste.  The next best thing is to reuse items.  Here are some projects that you can do in the classroom or at home. 

 

Mailing Envelopes From Magazines

 

Instead of tossing all those old magazines into the recycling bin, you can reuse some of the pages to make colorful and interesting envelopes. 

 

Step 1: Choose a magazine page.  Cut a total or 2 inches off the top and/or bottom to form a square sheet.

 

Step 2: Place the sheet face down.  Fold one corner up, almost folding the sheet in half (within 1-2 inches).

 

Step 3: Fold sides in about 1 inch away from first fold (step 2), forming 90 degree angles.  Make sure the sides are high enough for your letter.

 

Step 4: Use a glue stick to glue side flaps in place.  Be sure not to glue the inside shut.

 

Now that you've made your envelope, use these tips to make sure your mail makes it to it's final destination.

Use a self-addressed stamp


Write addresses on mailing labels

Seal with clear tape or glue stick

Use calendar pages to make bigger envelopes

 

Reusable Bird Feeder

 

Repurpose empty cardboard milk/soy cartons as a feeding station for outdoor birds.

 

Step 1: Take an clean and empty cardboard carton and punch a hold through the top of one side of the peak to the other.  Thread a piece of yarn or ribbon through the top and tie it in a loop so you can hang the feeder.

 

Step 2: Cut a few round holes, about the size of a golf ball, a few inches from the bottom of the carton.  Make sure to enlist the help of an adult when cutting.

 

Step 3: Decorate the outside of the carton using reusable items like sticks or make a perch for the birds by the feeding holds using the pieces you cut out of the container.  If you are using a hot glue gun, make sure to enlist the help of an adult.

 

Step 4: Spoon wild birdseed through the holes.

 

Step 5: Hang the bird feeder in a tree away from cats!  Enjoy watching your birds eat.  Don't forget to fill the feeder on a regular basis.

 

Homemade Recycling Collection Center

 

You will need the following materials: medium cardboard box, piece of construction paper, tape or glue, and markers or crayons.

 

Step 1: Find an empty, clean cardboard box.  If you don't have a box, you can use a paper grocery bag.

 

Step 2: Fold the flaps of the box inward - down inside the box.  If using a bag, just fold the edges of the bag inward.

 

Step 3: Use scrap paper to make your own recycling sign and attach it to the box or bag.  Or simply draw on the sides with crayons or markers. 

 

Step 4: Place your recycling station next to your indoor trash can.  Now it is ready to use!

 

Talk to your family/class about how to recycle and ask them to help.  When the container is full, take it out and empty it into the larger recycling bin.  Put your collection container back in its place and you can begin recycling again!