Newspaper Recycling Projects:

As Earth Day 2011 approaches us in the month of April, green-conscious individuals everywhere are re-evaluating their lifestyles to determine the overall effect of their choices on the world around them. For many parents, this day is the perfect time to teach and remind their children of the importance of leading environmentally friendly lifestyles; teachers and other educators are also encouraged to take advantage of this special day to keep their students informed on the effect of their lifestyle choices on the earth for future (and their own) generations. Here are several fun, easy ways for parents and teachers to use an everyday item-a newspaper-to teach the principles of "reusing" in the "recycling" cycle.

1. Use the newspaper as wrapping paper: Environmental and economical, newspaper wrapping is a fun alternative to conventional, store-bought wrapping paper. Additionally, the versatility of newspaper makes it the perfect wrapping choice for a huge range of events-from birthdays to graduation parties. To keep this wrapping design entirely green and recycling based, work to make newspaper bows and "ribbons" from looped sections of newspaper. (To make curled "ribbons," cut thin strips of newspaper and carefully use the inner edge of a pair of scissors to quickly run over the strips, thus creating a strong curl in the paper.)

2. Make newspaper flowers: Easy and fun, this craft is perfect for children. For roses, cut thick strips of newspapers and fold them in half; coil these strips into rose buds, and attach (using hot glue) newspaper stems. Other versions of flowers can be created by cutting out many newspaper "petals" and stapling the center of them; attach these to a stem as well to add to your newspaper bouquet. Finally, carnations can easily be crafted from large, cut crinkled sections of newspaper. Be creative and have fun in making a decorative bouquet that will never wilt.

3. Make newspaper beads: Best for children ages eight and up, newspaper beads are fun and fairly easy to make. For these beads, you will need to cut thin "pizza shaped" segments out of your newspaper; cut as many of these as you want, as they will all be turned into beads. Next, using a thin rod (or a pencil will work as well), tightly wrap the newspaper strips (thin end first) around the rod. When all of the newspaper strip is tightly wound, secure the last bit of paper to itself with a drop of glue and slide the "bead" off of the rod. Glaze the beads with a layer of Modge Podge, being careful not to seal the center bead hole. String the beads onto a ribbon for a fun, green necklace.

This earth day, make the educational process fun for your children and their friends through green craft projects like these. You'll be teaching them valuable, earth-saving lessons about recycling (or reusing) and they'll be making fun keepsakes in the process.