Easy Eco-friendly Craft Projects for Kids

In our day and time, many kids and adults alike are conscious of their impact on the environment. One way to show one's spirit of eco-friendliness is to partake in environmentally friendly craft projects. Here are four kid-friendly crafts that will not harm the environment:

CD Coasters

If you are a music lover like this author, you probably have a host of CD's in your possession. What happens when you decide that you no longer enjoy a particular band's music? Do you simply toss the CD into the trash and add to the bulk that lies in the landfill? Kids can take those old CD's and make them into coasters on which they can sit their drinks.

To make CD coasters, you only need old CD's and non-toxic markers or paint. Kids can decorate the CD's with their own creative flair, and both children and adults can utilize these chic coasters when they are lounging at home or when company comes to visit.

Milk Jug Piggy Bank

Whether you like to consume milk or not, you can take those old milk jugs and turn them into fanciful piggy banks in which your children can store their money. You only need a milk jug, non-toxic markers, tape, and recycled paper to make one of these precious pieces.

To make a milk jug piggy bank, you need to make sure and wash out the jug with hot water and an eco-friendly dish detergent (this author loves the Seventh Generation dishwashing liquids) to make sure that all of the milk is gone. Then, your children can color the jug in the color scheme of their choice. Since the jug will sit on the side that is opposite of the one that has the handle, kids might want to draw a pair of eyes for the piggy as well as two little dots on the cap of the jug for the snout. You can then take a piece of recycled paper, cut out a tail for the piggy, and tape it to the bottom of the jug.

If your children would like, they can even inscribe their piggy bank with their name. These piggy banks are durable and help to keep another milk jug out of the landfill.

Recycled Button Necklaces/Bracelets

Do you ever have those shirts that have beautiful buttons but are no longer fit to be worn in public? How about those extra buttons that most articles of clothing seem to include? Buttons, buttons, buttons - what can you do with all of these buttons? Kids can take those buttons and string them onto string, twine, yarn, or hemp cord and create fantastic necklaces and bracelets. Their imagination is the limit.

To make the recycled button necklaces and bracelets, you simply need some sort of stringing material (string, twine, yarn, or hemp cord), buttons, and a pair of scissors. You can measure approximately how large a piece of yarn or cord that you will need by loosely looping it around the child's wrist or neck. Once you cut the desired length of stringing material, you can tie a small knot in one end and let the child string buttons to his or her heart's content. When your child is done, you simply tie off the necklace or bracelet with a double knot.

By taking part in these types of eco-friendly crafts, you and your children not only have an opportunity to have fun, but you also are being kind to the environment in the process. Happy crafting, and enjoy!