Using recycled materials for art activities is an economical way for young children to gain exposure to artistic processes and learn about the environment. Many regular household materials can be reused or repurposed into fun art projects. The key is to be selective in matching materials and art processes desired. Additionally, safety and child friendly content should always be a main priority.
Paper for Classroom Art
Paper is a staple of the classroom art project. Little hands love to draw, paint, and print on paper. This simple, yet necessary, material can become quite expensive when used in bulk. Instead of always store buying paper for the classroom look for some alternative sources. These may include:
- The blank side of used printer paper
- Newspapers
- Flyers and advertisements
- Very worn or broken/torn books
- Magazines
Although these paper sources can provide a plentiful stock of art materials, make sure that any print content found is child friendly/acceptable and does not contain sensitive data such as billing statements, addresses, or credit card numbers.
Cardboard and Sturdy Paper
On occasion a thick or sturdy paper may be called for to complete an art project. Cardboard is an excellent material for such activities. Cardboard sources may include:
- Moving boxes
- Cereal boxes
- Cracker boxes
- Inserts from store bought paper packs
- Paper towel rolls
- Cones or rolls used to support craft yarn
- The front or back of used notebooks
- Milk cartons
Fabrics in Collage and Other Art
Incorporating fabric into a collage or other art lesson is a great way for young children to learn about texture, pattern, color, and line. Reusable fabric sources may include:
- Old clothing that has been washed
- Samples from home design books (i.e., swatches)
- Used washed curtains
Styrofoam Products
Styrofoam products may be used to create plates for ink printing activities or simple as paint palettes. Styrofoam or scratch foam sheets may be expensive when purchased at craft or art supply stores. Try reusing some of these items instead of buying new Styrofoam sheets:
- Fruit or vegetable trays
- Packing material
Plastic Containers and Bottles
Plastic containers and bottles can easily be repurposed into cool constructions or super sculptures. These items also work well as supply containers for art materials such as crayons, oil pastels, markers, foam pieces, glue sticks, clay, or as water containers for paint brushes. Try using:
- Empty washed soda bottles
- Empty washed yogurt and cottage cheeses containers
- Washed plastic fruit containers (e.g., strawberry containers)
- Old washed plastic storage containers
Safety Concerns
When reusing household or everyday products as art materials there are several safety concerns that must be addressed.
- Never use an item that has held or contained meats, fish, or eggs (especially raw meats and fish).
- Always carefully wash, disinfect, and dry items to be used.
- Be very aware of food and environmental allergies. Make sure reused cereal and cracker boxes never contained nut based products (or products that were made on assembly lines with nut products). Ask parents for a complete list of all allergies before reusing products. Be knowledgeable of the possibility for contact allergies for foods such as nuts, fruits, or dairy.
- Make sure that there are no sharp edges or small parts that may be a chocking hazard.
- Do not reuse any item if there is a smell of mildew or visible mold.
Paper, cardboard, fabric, Styrofoam, and plastics are all reusable products that can be repurposed into art materials. Save some money while the class becomes environmentally aware, and search for some of the suggested products instead of always buying art or school supplies.
