Reuse, then recycle
Well, I managed to miss Blog Action Day (topic: environment) due to a sick child. And I've missed a couple nights of sleep as well, so I'll try not to nod off while I write this.
The pile of trash up above isn't destined for the recycle center or even the garbage — yet. First it's going to the art studio. Actually, this pile is destined to be part of an action-figure-scale Jedi temple.
After years of building with recyclables, I can no longer throw anything away without hesitating and thinking, Would this make a good steering wheel? bird beak? rocket fin? robot brain?
All of our clean, no-sharp-edges trash gets set aside for making models during projects, sculptures, toys, artwork, etc. Actually, once you have adopted this mindset, it's hard to ever look at a plastic cookie tray or mesh fruit bag the same way again.
Not only does this save things from the garbage and the landfill, but it saves money because you buy fewer art materials, so you saved the energy to make, distribute, and sell those items as well.
Of course, there's the added benefit that your children stop clamoring for sequins and googly eyes and instead start asking for more bottle tops and spaghetti sauce lids.
And eventually, when you are all done with the model/sculpture/toy/art you made, then it can be recycled. Or better yet, go to grandma's house.
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10 comments
you should see me try to kick all the carboard and containers and lids back into the closet floor every time I open it up for a dinner ingredient. we do the same thing around here. but i really need a better system for keeping it contained. i think they're breeding in there! :)
if you come up with a good system, clue me in! :^) teachers were always asking us how to store these materials -- they take up so much room! (of course, it was much worse with 12 or 20 kids' worth of materials, but still ... i don't have a whole classroom to absorb it, either.)
i find i can get it down to a reasonable pile by nesting boxes & containers, etc., but then they just drag it all out again looking for just the right piece... :^)
This kind of posts are so great. Lovely recycles.
thank you, elisabeth :^)
hi lori.
i just linked to this post AGAIN on the babycenter website:
http://blogs.parentcenter.babycenter.com/momformation/2007/11/02/weekend-warrior-keep-it-simple/
thank you, molly! :^)
love it! It's like the art around our house. The kids and I made the recycled can robots this fall
http://fimby.tougas.net/Can-Do-Robots
renee, we do a lot of project-related constructions. the kids use this kind of modeling to explore ideas and demonstrate things they know. the guitar up there was part of a project on musical instruments. it’s a great way to work in three dimensions after observational drawing.
I don't know if this is still pertinant but I use the giant rubbermaid stacking drawers to stash our "junk" I also keep 2 large clear bins for the larger pieces. Because the drawers are sold individually you can add more as needed and you can rearrange them as your space dictates. Just thought I'd share! I love this blog and the great ideas you share!
thank you, heather! :^)
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