Easy Earth Day Art Ideas for Kids

Earth Day art activities anyone? Did you know that in 2012 Americans created 251 million tons of trash (according to the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency)? Yikes! Of that, we recycled only about 34%, or 87 million tons, of the stuff we tossed. While there are some things that you just can’t reuse, I bet you’ll find plenty around the house that you can magically transform into artsy items.

I’m big on reusing everyday items as art materials. I’ll admit, much of it has to do with me being somewhat cheap. But, my husband is super into recycling. So, when the green can in our garage overflows with plastic and paper, I tend to find other ways of using those items.

With Earth Day coming up, here’s a list of some of my favorite everyday items that the kids can turn into art (I’m including a few activities below, but you can also let the kiddos get creative and make their own ‘junk’ sculptures with the addition of some school glue and tape):

·        Popsicle sticks: Why go out and buy brand new craft sticks when you can save onto these wooden beauties all summer long?

·        Egg cartons: Depending on where you get your eggs, there are two types of cartons – the cardboard and the styrofoam kinds. Your child can use both for art activities (she can also use them to store glitter, sequins or beads, or to sort crayons pieces. The top of the foam type works well for printing projects.

·        Yogurt containers: Not only can your child use these to make art, but she can also use them as water tubs for water coloring painting.

·        Cardboard boxes: So many possibilities. Make a pretend play car, boat or airplane. Or, cut the box up and use the cardboard pieces for painting and drawing on. or make a train table mat!

·        Soda bottles: Cut them or leave them as is to make sculptures with.

·        Glass jars: Cover them with glue, add a layer of tissue paper pieces (collage-style), go for a second coating of glue and get a handmade vase. I also like to use the little ones (baby food –size) to hold paint or my favorite DIY glitter glue!

·        Wash cloths and other assorted fabric: Fabric scrapes make fantastic sensory collage materials. Cut and glue them onto cardboard to make textures galore.

·        Old worksheets: Your child’s teacher sends home more worksheets and random fliers from school. Instead of tossing them in the trash, turn them over and draw on the backs.

·        Holiday cards and gift wrap: Your child can use these to make collages.

·        CDs and DVDs: Transform these into wind chimes!

That’s just a few of my favorites. There are so many more ways to reuse and recycle your would-be trash into art materials.

If you’re looking for a few more Earth Day art ideas…

Try these egg carton ideas!

Or

Make a cardboard tube mobile.

Or

Create painted stamper letters with this foam print-making project.

Or

Stamp with flip-flops!

Are you still looking for more creative crafts? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Creative Kids Crafts on Pinterest.