According to the Environmental Protection Agency, we Americans produce approximately 220 million tons of garbage each year. In case you were wondering, that is enough trash to cover the entire state of Texas – twice! It is estimated that each of us produce, on average, about four pounds of garbage each day.
That’s about all the statistics I am going to go into because math hurts my head, but let’s just say, we have tons of trash. Of course, you can use some of it to make compost, but, you can turn some of your other trash into useful items and crafts. Here are a few ideas:
Paper egg cartons are great items for arranging your small jewelry. If you feel particularly crafty, you can even paint and decorate the egg cartons.
Take out containers can be used as a water bowl when walking your dog.
Use old bleach bottles, used spools of thread, and a few other craft supplies to make a cute little piggy bank.
Recycle your old leather belts into collars for your dog.
Use old pickle and mayonnaise jars to organize items such as nails and screws.
Use old candle nubs to start fires in your fireplace.
Have some old photos that you are about to trash? Use them as postcards instead!
Turn your backyard into a miniature golf course for the kids using old aluminum cans. Yes, you will need to dig holes and cut the cans, but think of the fun for the kids!
Make a birdhouse using a milk carton. You can also use milk cartons as molds for homemade candles.
Make a photo magnet for the fridge by attaching magnets to the inside of juice lids.
Use that one sock you cannot find the mate to and make a sock puppet.
One of the best things about the craft ideas here is that not only can you get the kids away from the television and video games to help you with the projects, but you are also teaching them to be green.
(This image has been (or is hereby) released into the public domain by its author, Carlb at the English Wikipedia project. This applies worldwide.)
