Create Craft
Toddlers and preschool-aged kids are the ones who are most thrilled about the opportunity to spend some time creating meaningful crafts during Earth Day events. This is due to the fact that this age group adores the opportunity to create things with their hands while spending one-on-one time with the special adults in their lives, such as their parents or teachers! Even better, there aren’t many materials needed for the Earth Day projects on this list. The majority of what you need is likely already in your classroom or at home.
This is because you can use recycled and repurposed materials from around the house or school to create these six crafts to commemorate Earth Day. It’s a terrific way to decrease trash and set a great example for your imaginative toddler or preschooler. Decide one of these Earth Day crafts to put on your to-do list after looking over the list!
- Make toilet paper roll bird feeders.
Making toilet paper roll bird feeders is a simple and fun craft project that’s perfect for kids or anyone wanting to help feed birds in their backyard. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed:
- 1 toilet paper roll (empty)
- Peanut butter (unsweetened, no salt, and safe for birds)
- Bird seed (wild bird seed mix)
- String or twine (optional)
- Butter knife or spoon for spreading
Instructions:
- Prepare the Toilet Paper Roll
Start with an empty toilet paper roll. If you’d like to hang your feeder, you can thread a piece of twine or string through the hole of the roll to create a hanger. Knot it securely at the top. - Spread the Peanut Butter
Using a butter knife or spoon, spread a generous layer of peanut butter all over the outside of the toilet paper roll. Make sure to cover the entire surface, ensuring the peanut butter sticks well. - Roll in Bird Seed
After the peanut butter is spread evenly, roll the toilet paper roll in bird seed. Press down gently so the seeds stick to the peanut butter. If there are any gaps, just spread a little more peanut butter and roll again until it’s well coated. - Hang the Feeder
Once covered in bird seed, you can hang the feeder on a tree branch or somewhere visible in your yard. The birds will love the easy-to-access treat! - Watch the Birds
Now, just sit back and enjoy watching the birds flock to the feeder. You can add more bird feeders as needed or replace them when they run out.
This is a fun and eco-friendly way to recycle toilet paper rolls and help local wildlife. Happy bird watching!
2. Use old magazines to make a collage.
To create one of these adorable Earth Day collages, keep your magazines, newspapers, and other recyclables ready. Make a huge representation of the world like the I Heart Crafty Things blog suggests, or let your child be creative and come up with something own!
3. Make seed bombs to grow some native flowers.
Making seed bombs is a great way to help grow native flowers and support local ecosystems. Seed bombs are small, round balls made of clay, compost, and native flower seeds. They can be thrown into areas where you want to promote wildflower growth. Here’s how to make them:
Materials Needed:
- Native wildflower seeds (choose seeds that are appropriate for your climate and soil)
- Clay powder (you can use powdered red clay or clay from a craft store)
- Compost or potting soil
- Water
- A bowl for mixing
- A tray or newspaper for drying
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Seed Mixture
In a bowl, combine the following ingredients:- 1 part native wildflower seeds
- 3 parts compost or potting soil
- 5 parts clay powder
- Add Water
Slowly add water, a little at a time, to the mixture. Stir as you go until the mixture becomes damp but not too wet. You want the mixture to be moist enough to hold together when you form it into balls, but not so wet that it becomes soupy. - Form the Seed Bombs
Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a marble (about 1 inch in diameter). If the mixture is too dry and doesn’t hold together, add a bit more water. If it’s too wet, add a little more clay or compost. - Let the Seed Bombs Dry
Once you’ve shaped all your seed bombs, place them on a tray or some newspaper to dry for 24-48 hours. They should dry out completely so they can be stored and used without falling apart. - Plant Your Seed Bombs
Once dry, your seed bombs are ready to use! You can either throw them directly into areas where you want to plant wildflowers, or store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready. Throw them into bare patches of soil in your garden, parks, or public spaces (with permission).
Tips:
- Make sure the seeds you use are native to your area, as they will thrive better and support local wildlife.
- Avoid using seeds from invasive plants that could harm the local ecosystem.
- Water the area after throwing the seed bombs to help them germinate.
By making seed bombs, you’re not only having fun with a creative project but also contributing to the growth of native flowers and supporting local pollinators like bees and butterflies
4. Make soil layer cups.
If you have children at home, you probably already have a variety of chocolates, cookies, and other delectable foods that you can use to make one of these Learning Resources blog’s soil layering cups. Allowing your preschooler to polish off all the “dirt” and “worms” will not only teach them about what’s underneath the earth they’re standing on, but it will also save you a lot of cleanup. To keep this craft eco-friendly, use a reusable cup you already have!
5. Build a solar oven.
Building a solar oven is a great way to harness the power of the sun to cook food in an eco-friendly way. A solar oven uses reflective materials to concentrate sunlight onto a cooking pot, generating heat to cook food. Here’s how you can make your own simple solar oven using common materials.
Materials Needed:
- A cardboard box (large enough to fit your cooking pot)
- Aluminum foil (for reflecting sunlight)
- Black construction paper (for absorbing heat)
- Clear plastic or glass (for trapping heat inside)
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- A ruler
- A cooking pot with a lid
- Insulating material (optional, like newspaper or foam)
- A thermometer (optional, to measure the temperature inside the oven)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Box:
- Start by using a large cardboard box. It can be any size, but a typical pizza box or a shoebox works well for small projects.
- Cut a flap on the lid of the box. Make sure it’s big enough to open and close easily. The flap should be able to tilt so that sunlight can be reflected into the box. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent cutting off the whole lid.
2. Line the Inside of the Box:
- On the inside of the box, line the bottom with black construction paper. The black color will help absorb heat and keep it inside the oven.
- If you have insulating material like foam or crumpled newspaper, line the sides of the box with it. This will help trap heat inside and improve efficiency.
3. Create Reflectors:
- Cut pieces of aluminum foil to fit the inside of the flap you just cut, as well as any remaining sides of the box that will reflect sunlight.
- Carefully glue or tape the foil to the inside of the flap and the sides of the box. The shiny side of the foil should face outward to reflect as much sunlight as possible into the box.
- You can also add more foil along the top edges to create additional reflectors if desired.
4. Make the Cooking Chamber:
- Place your cooking pot inside the box, sitting on top of the black construction paper. The pot should have a dark-colored lid or a lid that fits tightly to keep heat from escaping.
- If you’re using multiple pots, ensure that the box is large enough to accommodate them. Ensure there’s space around the pot for sunlight to reach all surfaces.
5. Seal the Oven:
- Cut a piece of clear plastic or glass that fits over the opening of the box (where the flap opens). This will act as the “oven door” and trap the heat inside.
- Attach the plastic or glass to the edges of the box with tape, ensuring a good seal to keep heat from escaping. The clear material will allow sunlight to pass through and trap the heat inside.
6. Adjust the Flap for Maximum Sunlight:
- Position the box so the flap faces directly towards the sun. Tilt the flap to reflect the sunlight onto the pot inside the box. You may need to adjust the angle throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.
7. Cook Your Food:
- Place your food inside the cooking pot. Good foods to cook in a solar oven include items like baked potatoes, rice, or even simple stews.
- Leave the oven outside in direct sunlight for a few hours. The temperature inside the box can reach anywhere from 150°F (65°C) to 200°F (93°C), depending on how well you’ve made your oven and the intensity of the sun.
8. Monitor the Temperature:
- If you have a thermometer, use it to track the internal temperature of the oven. Keep an eye on your food to make sure it doesn’t overcook. Cooking times will vary depending on the type of food and how sunny it is.
Tips:
- The solar oven works best on clear, sunny days. The more direct sunlight it gets, the hotter it will be inside.
- You can increase efficiency by painting the inside of the box black or using reflective materials like mirrors.
- If you plan to use the oven regularly, consider making a more durable version with a better-insulated box and a higher-quality glass lid.
Benefits:
- Solar ovens are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly since they use renewable solar energy.
- They are perfect for outdoor cooking, camping, or emergency preparedness.
- You can reduce your electricity bill while cooking simple meals in the sun!
This project is a fun and sustainable way to cook with solar energy, especially during sunny weather.
6. Grow a seed in a jar.
Your preschooler may learn about the lifespan of a plant and get an opportunity to see new life come to life when the seeds sprout and start to grow if you have a glass jar, paper towel, and a seed (sunflowers, beans, or peanuts all work well for this one). You can get all the information you need to do this awesome Earth Day project at Little Bins for Little Hands.
It will be difficult to choose just one of these fantastic ideas, so feel free to combine a couple to add even more fun to your Earth Day celebration for your kids!
7. “It’s Time to Change the Life We Lead” — The Ultimate Guide to the .
It seems like you may be referring to a title or phrase—“It’s Time to Change the Life We Lead”—and are looking for an ultimate guide related to it. If you’re seeking inspiration or guidance about personal change, transformation, or improving your life, here’s an ultimate guide to getting started with living a more fulfilling and intentional life.
The Ultimate Guide to Changing the Life You Lead
Life transformation is a powerful journey, but it requires conscious decisions, reflection, and action. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, career, relationships, or personal growth, change begins with you. This guide offers practical steps to help you take control and make the necessary changes to live the life you truly desire.
Step 1: Define What You Want to Change
Before you can make any changes, it’s important to identify exactly what you want to transform. This could be anything from your career, lifestyle, mindset, or relationships.
- Self-reflection: Take time to honestly assess where you are now. Ask yourself, “What’s working well in my life? What’s not?”
- Create a Vision: Think about what your ideal life looks like. What does success mean to you? Is it health, wealth, happiness, or something else entirely?
- Set Clear Goals: Write down specific goals you want to achieve. Be precise about what changes you want to make and why they are important to you.
Step 2: Cultivate a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that you can develop and improve over time through dedication and hard work. This mindset helps you overcome challenges and learn from setbacks.
- Embrace Challenges: Instead of avoiding difficulties, face them head-on. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn.
- Stay Open to Feedback: Learn from others and use feedback as a tool for growth.
- Resilience: Don’t let failure stop you. See it as a stepping stone towards progress.
Step 3: Create a Healthy Daily Routine
The habits you build every day shape your life. Consistency is key to making lasting change.
- Morning Routine: Start your day with activities that align with your goals. Meditation, exercise, journaling, or reading can set a positive tone.
- Time Management: Plan your day to prioritize your goals. Use tools like calendars or productivity apps to stay organized.
- Wellness: Prioritize physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Sleep, nutrition, and exercise play a big role in supporting a positive change.
Step 4: Break Through Limiting Beliefs
Sometimes, the only thing standing between you and the life you want is your own mindset. Limiting beliefs—ideas that restrict your potential—can be powerful roadblocks.
- Identify Negative Beliefs: Pay attention to thoughts that hold you back, such as “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t change.”
- Challenge Them: When negative thoughts arise, challenge their validity. Replace them with empowering beliefs like “I am capable” or “I can learn anything.”
- Practice Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to reprogram your mind. For example: “I am deserving of success and happiness.”
Step 5: Take Consistent Action
Change won’t happen overnight. It takes consistent effort and small steps over time.
- Start Small: Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to change everything at once. Focus on one area and break your goals into manageable steps.
- Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Even if progress is slow, keep taking action toward your goal every day.
- Celebrate Wins: Celebrate every small victory along the way. Each step forward is progress!
Step 6: Surround Yourself with Support
Changing your life can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Having a support system can provide encouragement, feedback, and motivation.
- Seek Mentors: Find people who inspire you and can offer guidance based on their experiences.
- Join Communities: Whether online or offline, surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your values and goals.
- Accountability Partners: Have someone hold you accountable for your progress. It’s easier to stay motivated when others are involved.
Step 7: Adapt and Adjust Along the Way
As you embark on your journey of change, remember that flexibility is important. Life is dynamic, and things may not always go according to plan.
- Stay Flexible: Be open to adjusting your path if necessary. New opportunities may arise, and sometimes the original plan needs tweaking.
- Learn from Setbacks: Understand that setbacks are a natural part of growth. Use them as learning experiences to refine your approach.
Step 8: Reflect and Continue Growing
Once you’ve made some changes, take the time to reflect on your progress. Personal growth is a continuous journey, not a destination.
- Regular Reflection: Check in with yourself periodically. Are you moving closer to your goals? Do you need to adjust your approach?
- Keep Evolving: Life is about continuous growth. After achieving one set of goals, set new ones. Always strive to evolve into a better version of yourself.
Final Thoughts
Changing the life you lead is not an overnight process. It takes time, effort, patience, and persistence. However, the transformation is worth it when you start living a life that is true to your values, desires, and dreams. Remember, the journey to change begins with a single decision, and from there, every step forward is a victory.
So, if you’re ready to change the life you lead, start today—take that first step and keep moving forward toward a brighter, more fulfilling future!