Make a Reuse Box

Watch the video Trash is Treasure, then ask a grown-up to help you with this activity!

What You Need:

• A used cardboard box
• A marker or crayon

What To Do:

1. Make a “reuse materials” box to collect items in and to help teach about what materials are safe to be reused. Reuse a cardboard box to become a bin for reusable materials.
2. Have your child color on the box and write the word “reuse” on the side.
3. Place it near your trash and recycling bin or in a convenient spot for your family.
4. Talk about what can and cannot go in the box—nothing with food waste on it, nothing too small or too big—then have your child instruct everyone in the house to consider before they throw something in the trash if it can be reused for an art project or making a game or an obstacle course.
5. Collect materials for one week. 

Play the game Trash Treasures:

Have the youngest in the group pick one item out from the bin. The first person says, “This is not a bottlecap, it is a tiny cup for drinking water,” then they pass it to the next person who says, “This is not a bottlecap or a cup, it is a hat for my finger puppet.” If someone gets stuck, the group can help with ideas. Keep going around all the players until a player can’t think of another use for the object. Have the last player think of a use. Pick a new object and begin playing again. Scientists study how to make less trash by turning old things into new ones – just like you did!

Create something new with the materials.  

Ideas for repurposing the materials might come from the game you played, but here are some additional possibilities:

• Mosaic art to hang in the house or outside
• Obstacle course to get exercise and have fun
• Carnival games to play with friends and family
• Board games to be creative and have fun
• Costumes and set design to put on a play
• Decorations for a holiday or celebration