Recycling & Crafts
How Do I Use Recycled Items to Make Crafts?
The crayon box starts out as a way to keep broken crayons all in one convenient place. But it quickly becomes a dumping ground for unappealing stubs and bits that no one uses. Restore these art materials to tempting, colorful and useful condition. Instead of tossing them in the trash, recycle them into new shapes. Help young artists make eco-friendly, imaginative crayons. The revitalized crayons, in cookie cutter ...
How to Craft With Recycled Items
Using recycled items is an inexpensive way to make crafts, but it also an important step in reducing the waste that the human population produces. In 2009, Americans generated more than 30 million tons of plastic waste (see References 3). Paper is also ubiquitous, with Americans using 68 million tons each year but recycling only 43 million tons (see References 1). Despite this better than 60 percent paper-recycling ...
How Do I Use Recycled Materials for Crafts?
Unleash the "soleful" artist in you with hand-painted shoes that become bookends, planters or paperweights. Create an homage to a favorite artist and save an outgrown pair of sneakers or some beat-up brogans from the trash. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates nearly 12.7 million tons of textiles, including shoes, ended up in municipal landfills in 2009. (See Reference 3) Don't toss your unwearable ...
More Articles on Recycling & Crafts
How to Recycle Styrofoam for Crafts
Polystyrene foam products, commonly referred to as Styrofoam after the brand that made these products ubiquitous, is not easily recycled. Most municipal curbside recycling programs don't accept it. Foam meat trays, egg cartons and to-go drink cups are just a few of the polystyrene items the average household may collect. These items can, however, be cut, melted and manipulated into quick, kid-friendly crafts. If you still have leftover Styrofoam pieces after the crafts are completed, ask teachers and scout club directors if they can use the supplies in their art projects.
How to Recycle Craft Materials
Crafting is less expensive when you recycle materials and also is a good way to keep usable items from ending up our landfills. For example, old clothing from your closets can be taken apart and transformed into craft projects. An estimated 12.7 million tons of textiles generated annually makes up 5.2 percent of total municipal solid waste generation, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (See References 1) Don't forget about old books that have been replaced by newer versions, or have become damaged. The text and graphics can add an interesting finish to home accessories.
