Five Eco-Friendly Ways for Kids to Make Extra Money

With the economy still in a slump and utility rates escalating, many families have to cut back on their budget in order to make ends meet. One area that often suffers in these budget cuts is the allowance that the children in the family may receive from their parents.

What can kids do in order to earn a little extra money? Here are five ways that young ones can achieve a little additional income while helping the environment as well:

Trading in video gaming systems, video games, and other such items for cash or store credit

If your child is or has been a gamer, he or she can trade in his or her video gaming systems, video games, related equipment, and other such items for cash or store credit at such stores as Game Stop and RePlay Games. By taking part in this activity, your child can obtain some extra cash while helping to keep more non-biodegradable objects out of the landfill.

Selling gently worn clothes, gently used toys and related items for cash

If your child has clothes that he or she has outgrown, toys that he or she no longer uses, and other related items of which he or she wants to get rid, he or she can take them to Once Upon A Child to sell them for cash. Once Upon A Child caters to pregnant mothers and children ages 0-12 and accepts clothing sizes from 0-3 months to 14/16.

If you have teenagers in your home, they can take their trendy, fashionable clothes to Plato's Closet to sell for some extra cash. Plato's Closet accepts sizes 0/1-15/16 in girls and sizes 28-40 waist in boys.

If your child wants to sell his or her used goods online, Ebay is a great medium to utilize for this. You may want to assist him or her with this endeavor

By engaging in these activities, your child can make his or her gently worn clothing, toys, and other goods available for purchase by someone else at a great price. Also, your child will be helping to keep more items out of the landfill.

Selling homegrown produce or crafts made from recycled materials

If your family has an organic garden in your backyard, your child can harvest some of the produce and sell it at a flea market, roadside stand, or yard sale. Your child's customers will enjoy some delicious homegrown produce, and your child can have a little extra change in his or her pocket.

If your child likes to be creative, he or she can make crafts from recycled materials. Glass and plastic bottles can become bird feeders while various types of paper can be transformed into colorful stationery, gift wrap, or even purses. This author and her daughter like to go to Goodwill and other secondhand places, purchase bracelets and necklaces, and reuse them to create new jewelry pieces.

Once your child finishes creating his or her artistic masterpieces, he or she can sell them at a yard sale or local flea market. Through this experience, your child can help benefit the environment while bringing something beautiful into someone's life.

Recycling glass, aluminum, and other materials for cash

Depending on where you and your family live, your child can earn some extra money by recycling glass or plastic bottles, aluminum cans, scrap metal, paper products, and other such materials. Have your child visit recyclingcenters.org for a listing of the recycling centers near you, and give the centers a call to see for what substances they will pay cash.

Although money is tight during these economic times, children can still find ways to make some cash. Not only will your children have money to spend, but they also will help out the environment through their actions as well.

Sources:

http://www.ebay.com

http://www.GameStop.com

http://www.onceuponachild.com

http://www.platoscloset.com

http://www.recyclingcenters.org

http://www.replaygamesdvd.com/main/index.php