Recycled Materials for Children's Crafts
Earth Friendly Craft Supplies for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Jan 16, 2009
Whether for a rainy day activity or an ambitious group art project, it is handy to have a fully stocked craft cupboard, complete with items destined for the recycling bin. Costing nothing, these craft supplies can be used for art projects year round and are as versatile as a child’s imagination.
By reusing items from around the house and reducing the waste that comes with newly packaged craft supplies, parents and teachers have the perfect opportunity to talk to preschoolers and toddlers about their impact on the environment during creative activities.
Paper and Cardboard Craft Supplies
Paper and cardboard comes in all shapes, textures, sizes and colours, making it a staple of the craft supply cupboard. Here’s what to collect:
- tissue paper, wrapping paper and carbon paper
- newspaper, magazines and catalogues
- photos, greeting cards, post cards and calendars
- paper bags and wallpaper books
- cracker, cereal, shoe and tissue boxes
- wrapping, paper towel and toilet paper rolls
To keep paper and cardboard craft supplies organized, use plastic or cardboard magazine holders to keep everything tidy on the shelf and readily available.
Containers to Use for Crafts
Containers are often reused in the kitchen but they can also be the perfect craft material for preschoolers and toddlers to create an instrument or bird feeder. Washed and dried before storing, here are some containers to keep handy.
- coffee tins, margarine tubs, yogurt containers and dessert cups
- old plastic dishes with lids
- clamshell containers and berry baskets
- cardboard juice containers and baby food jars
- egg cartons both plastic and card board
- soft drink bottles and aluminum pie tins
Recyclable containers are also great for storing craft supplies in. Use clear plastic egg cartons for keeping buttons sorted and baby food jars are perfect for holding beads and sequins.
Craft Supply Odds and Ends
Sometimes the most artistic creations are inspired by unique treasures. Not having an immediate use but not ready to be put in the garbage, here are some special craft supplies to save for a rainy day.
- baskets, yarn and scrap material
- magnets, buttons, broken jewelry and ribbons
- twist ties, aluminum foil and compact discs
- crayon stubs and small pieces of chalk
- gloves, odd socks and old pillow cases
- make-up brushes, broken sponges and discarded combs
A good place to start looking for odds and ends to round out the craft supplies is in the junk drawer in the kitchen. When cleaning out a closet or drawer, keep an old pillow case or basket handy to collect the discarded items and then it will be easier to store them with the other craft supplies.
Preschoolers and toddlers do not need brand new craft supplies every time their creative imaginations embark on a project. Easy to find and healthy for the environment, using recycled materials as craft supplies is an inexpensive way of opening up the world of creativity for young kids.
References
Douglas, Ann. The Mother of all Toddler Books. Etobicoke, Ontario:Wiley, 2002.
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