It’s the end of the school year and your kids are headed home with what is left of their desk: broken crayons, unsharpened pencils, old eraser and unused notebook paper. Instead of throwing these mismatched pieces away, why not find a more green solution?
Here are ways you can reuse and recycle your old school supplies:
Eraser to Cleaning Tool
Old erasers can become great cleaning tools. According to momseveryday.com, old erasers can be used to remove price-tag residue from products, shine your patent leather shoes, clean your keyboard and literally ‘erase’ scuff marks from your floors. Make sure the part of the eraser you are using is clean (you can turn the ‘not so clean’ parts of the eraser into a pin cushion).
Broken Crayons to Working Crayons
Those broken crayon pieces that have been living at the back of your child’s school desk for a year? You can melt them into new crayons—creating interesting new colors and shapes that not only will be fun for your kids to use at home, but they make great party favors for little ones. Find easy step-by-step instructions at MarthaStewart.com.
Colored Pencils to Jewelry
We love this idea from DesignMom.com: Turn your old colored pencils into fun and pretty necklaces, bracelets and even a brooch (what a great craft for a rainy summer day!). Chop a few centimeters from the end of your child’s pencils, drill a small hole in the side and string them together with thread. There are even ideas for creating a “pointy necklace” so you can use all parts of the pencil!
Old Paper to Journal/Sketchpad
Your child will undoubtedly be bringing home pieces of paper where one side is used and the other is a fresh space just waiting for creativity. Combine all the paper scraps, punch three holes on one side and stitch the pages together with yarn or string to create a journal or sketchpad for your child to use all summer long.
Binders to Recipe Books
Use old binders to house those great recipes you find in magazines and newspapers. We recommend placing your recipes in sheet protectors (there are some great biodegradable options available) to keep them safe from the spills and splashes of your cooking creations. You can simply wipe down the pages as you wipe down your counters (using our EcoSpirit™ All Purpose Cleaner, of course).
If you still have leftover items that are in good working condition, stock up your child’s homework area for next year or donate them to a local organization such as a non-profit that works with children. You should also check into your recycling options—many brands such as Elmer’s and Crayola have recycling opportunities for individuals and schools.
Talk to us: What will you be doing with your leftover school supplies this summer?