10 Simple Crafts Using Items From Your Recycling Box

Dive into the recycling box to celebrate Earth Day. We've got projects that use up shoeboxes, egg cartons, styrofoam, toilet paper rolls, cardboard and more!

1. Recycled Robots

Use up scraps of paper and fabric and whatever else you have on hand to make creative robot masks for imaginative play! This is a great craft to clean out your supplies cupboard. Click here for the craft.

2. Egg Carton Bouquet

Turn empty egg cartons into a beautiful bouquet of colourful flowers. These would make a lovely homemade gift for Mother's Day, too! Click here for the craft.

3. No-Sew Snake Stuffies

Wondering where socks go when they disappear? We do too. But you can give solo socks new life with a sweet and simple stuffie project: no sewing required! Click here for the craft.

4. DIY Instruments from Recycled Materials

You can create a whole symphony out of the stuff in your recycling bin! We've got ideas on how to build guitars, drums, cymbals and more. Click here for the craft.

5. Recycled Flower Stencils

Use up scrap cardboard to create some simple stencils. If kids aren't huge fans of drawing or painting, stencilling is a great way to encourage them to make some art. Click here for the craft.

6. Cork-Stamped Flower Wreath

Save up those corks and turn them into flower stamps! Throw in a paper plate and some paint, and you've got everything you need to make a colourful spring wreath! Click here for the craft.

7. Styrofoam Mosiac Art

Styrofoam containers and produce trays can become art with this beautiful open-ended art project. This one is great for kids who are working on scissor skills and fine motor skills. Plus, the resulting art is just so beautiful and vibrant. Click here for the craft.

8. Toilet Paper Roll Desk Caddy

Turn old toilet paper rolls into a colourful way to keep desks tidy and organized. Click here for the craft.

9. Upcycled Shoebox Doll House

That's not a shoebox! That's a doll house! (Or a car wash! Or a vet clinic! Or a grocery store!). This project can be adapted to fit your child's interests, and it's a great DIY toy. Click here for the craft.

10. Screen-Free City Building Activity

If little ones love building their own worlds with games like Minecraft, they might also love creating a shoebox city out of blocks and paint and toys. They can still enjoy the satisfaction and creativity associated with designing their own world to their own tastes, but with a bit of a break from the screens. Click here for the craft.