Plan a Trash to Treasure Hike to Make Money and Gather Craft Supplies

Spring will soon be here and there is simply no better time for a "Trash to Treasure Walk." If you are part of a group seeking a fundraising idea, make the project a "Green" one with a nature hike for recyclable items and trash which can be turned into treasure and sold for a profit. A "Trash to Treasure Walk" is also a great family activity or even a non-commercialized idea for a date.

Pick a beautiful local place for the discovery hike so the scenery is enjoyable and you are clearing the area of unsightly debris. Take separate sacks for sorting the items you will encounter while walking. Ideally, each person will have a sack designated for a specific type of item. Typical bag labels include plastic, glass, aluminum, metal and one designated for upcycling art supplies.

You will likely encounter many plastic bottles while walking or hiking. These items can be recycled or used to make other items which can adorn your home, become jewelry or sold at flea markets and craft shows for a profit. A nearly limitless bounty of materials for craft projects can be found near roadways. Repair the beauty of the area from the damage done by those who toss their waste from car windows.

Recycled Plant Hangers

Aluminum cans be upcyled into hanging plant or herb containers. Simply clean the cans and drill three holes near the lip of the opening. You can also use a hammer and nail to create the holes. You can paint the cans or adorn the craft wire you attach for hangers with beads if desired. Drill several drainage holes in the bottom of the can before filling with pebbles and potting soil.

Recycled Hanging Curtain

Make a hanging curtain, room divider or wall treatment for plastic jugs and bottles. Trace a simple shape such as a rectangle, square, circle or triangle onto a piece of cardstock. Trace the shape onto the plastic containers an cut out with a pair of scissors. Sand each piece thoroughly to remove rough edges and the see-thru nature of the shimmery plastic. Use a metal hole punch to create opening and attach with round jewelry hooks or key chain holders.

Recycled Plastic Flowers

Use a circular craft hole-punch to make flower petals from discarded plastic. After cutting the top and bottom from the cleaned bottles, punch multiple circles of the same size. Spray paint the plastic if desired. The circles will naturally turn a bit inward like a flower petal. Use hot glue to affix the circle together to create a flower petal. You can add a bead or paint to create the petal center. The creation can be used to adorn a multitude of craft items or become jewelry.