Breathe New Life in to Old Stuff
Get crafty and reuse old stuff to make something new.
Breathe new life into old stuff!
Recycling crafts are a fantastic way to reuse materials and create something new and exciting.
In countries like Somalia, where Amala is from, traditions go back generations of weaving new things - baskets, houses, clothes - out of old stuff as well as materials from the natural environment. Re-using and re-cycling is great for the planet as you are reducing waste! Here are some fun and easy projects you can try:
Avoid single-use plastic
Where you can, try and avoid using single-use plastics - re-use your water bottle, bags and containers. When you can’t do this, recycle them - or use them for crafting new things.
Make Plastic Bottle Planters
Make cute planters from empty plastic bottles for your windowsill garden!
Materials:
- Empty plastic bottles,
- Scissors,
- Paint or markers,
- Soil,
- Small plants or seeds.
Instructions:
- Cut the plastic bottle in half or cut out a section to create an opening for the planter.
- Decorate the outside of the bottle with paint or markers.
- Fill the bottom of the bottle with soil and plant your seeds or small plants.
- Place your new planter on a windowsill where it can get sunlight.
Don’t forget to water your plants!
Toilet Roll bird feeders
Use an old toilet roll to attract birds!
Materials:
- Empty toilet paper roll
- Peanut butter
- Bird seed
- Knife
- Paper plate
- String
- Scissors
Make a DIY Terrarium
A terrarium is similar to an aquarium, but instead of fish, it houses plants. You can create one in almost any glass container, transforming it into a tiny, enclosed garden or forest. Making your own terrarium is easy and can result in a beautiful, miniature world of plants. It is a great way to practice growing if you don’t have a garden!
Tin can wind chimes
You can make a beautiful wind chime for your window - using just tin cans!
Materials:
- Cleaned out tin cans,
- paint,
- string,
- hammer,
- nail,
- metal washers or nuts,
- glitter (optional),
- tape (optional)
Talking about this with your friends and family…
“Did you know that recycling paper and plastic can help save trees and reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Can we learn more about it together?”
“I heard that marine animals can get tangled in plastic waste. Can we recycle our plastic items to help keep our oceans clean and safe for marine life?”
“I think it would be great if we could organise a neighborhood clean-up or recycling drive. Can we work together to make our community cleaner and greener?”
“I think it would be cool to upcycle old items into creative and useful objects. Can we brainstorm some recycling craft ideas as a family?”
