Are you looking for creative and engaging activities that your kids will enjoy while also teaching them about sustainability? Upcycling is a fun and environmentally friendly way to reuse and repurpose items that would otherwise end up in the landfill.

In this guide, we will share some inspiring and easy-to-follow upcycling projects for kids and families that will not only keep them entertained but also educate them on the importance of reducing waste and protecting the environment. Let’s get started!

♻️ Repurpose Old T-Shirts

Have a pile of old t-shirts taking up space in your closet? Turn them into something new and exciting with these upcycling projects:

T-Shirt Tote

Transform your old t-shirts into a stylish and eco-friendly tote bag! All you need is an old t-shirt, scissors, and a ruler.

  1. Lay the t-shirt flat on a table and cut off the sleeves and neckline.
  2. Cut slits on the bottom of the t-shirt, about 3 inches in length and 1 inch wide.
  3. Tie the slits together in knots to create a fringe.
  4. Turn the t-shirt inside out and tie the fringe in knots again.
  5. Flip the t-shirt right side out, and your tote bag is ready!

A picture of a person holding a T-shirt tote, filled with groceries.

T-Shirt Bracelets

Make bracelets out of old t-shirts to add a pop of color to any outfit. Cut 1-inch strips from the bottom of the t-shirt and stretch them out until they curl. Stack the strips together and braid them. Tie the ends together to create a bracelet.

A picture of a child wearing T-shirt Bracelets on their arm.

🎨 Create Art from Junk

Transform your junk into beautiful art with these upcycling projects:

CD Garden Mobile

Reuse old CDs to create a mesmerizing garden mobile. You will need:

  • Old CDs
  • Wire hangers
  • Twine
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Hot glue gun
  1. Use the needle-nose pliers to bend the wire hangers into circles.
  2. Cut various lengths of twine and knot them around the hangers.
  3. Hot glue the CDs onto the twine, spacing them out evenly.
  4. Hang your garden mobile in a sunny spot and watch the sunlight reflect off the CDs!

A picture of a CD Garden Mobile hanging from a tree.

Bottle Cap Mosaic

Collect bottle caps from your household products to create a colorful mosaic. You will need:

  • Bottle caps
  • Glue
  • A surface to glue the caps onto (e.g., cardboard, wood, cork)
  1. Arrange the caps on the surface in your desired pattern.
  2. Glue the caps in place and let dry.
  3. Hang or display your mosaic for all to see!

A picture of a Bottle Cap Mosaic made of different colored bottle caps.

🌱 Grow Your Own Greenery

Start your own garden with these upcycling projects:

Egg Carton Seed Starter

Create a miniature greenhouse for your seeds using an egg carton. You will need:

  • Empty egg carton
  • Soil
  • Seeds
  • Water
  1. Cut off the lid of the egg carton.
  2. Fill each section with soil and plant your seeds.
  3. Water your seeds and close the lid.
  4. Place the egg carton in a sunny area and watch your seeds grow!

A picture of an Egg Carton Seed Starter with small sprouts poking out of the soil.

Water Bottle Planter

Transform old water bottles into herb planters. You will need:

  • Empty water bottle
  • Scissors
  • Soil
  • Herb seeds
  • Water
  1. Cut the water bottle in half.
  2. Poke small holes in the bottom of the bottle for drainage.
  3. Fill the bottom half of the bottle with soil and plant your seeds.
  4. Water your plants and place the top half of the bottle as a cover.
  5. Display your new herb garden for all to see!

A picture of a Water Bottle Planter with herbs growing inside.

With these upcycling projects, you can engage your kids in fun and creative activities while also teaching them about the importance of sustainability. Plus, you may even discover a newfound passion for upcycling yourself!

🌞 Happy Upcycling! ♻️