As students and teachers gear up for a new school year, there’s an opportunity to embrace sustainability and creativity by repurposing recyclable materials into practical and fun school supplies. Let’s explore some innovative ways to reuse common materials to make back-to-school essentials that are both functional and environmentally conscious.
Transform an empty tin can into a stylish pencil holder by decorating it with colorful paper, fabric scraps, or washi tape. Not only does this upcycled pencil holder keep desks organized, but it also adds a touch of personality to the workspace. And don’t limit yourself to just tin cans, any cylinder container such as jars, or old mugs can be used as pencil holders. A fun “get to know me activity” for the beginning of the year could be having students bring in an old item they could use as a pencil holder and explain why they chose that particular item.
Use a cardboard paper towel tube to create a hand ruler organizer. Simply flatten one side of the tube, decorate it with paper or paint, and use removable backing to place it under desks or on the wall. This repurposed tube keeps rulers and other long school supplies neatly stored and easily accessible. If you have old PVC piping laying around the house, you can cut them to the desired size and repeat the same process as the paper tubes.
Give an old milk jug new life as a storage container for art supplies or small items like erasers and paper clips. Cut off the top of the jug, decorate the bottom with paint or markers, and use it to keep clutter off desks and shelves. This can also be done with old juice and soda bottles. Simply cut the top of the bottle and sand the bottom half’s edges or use decorative tape to cover the edges and provide a pop of color.
Repurpose cardboard cereal boxes or packaging material to create a reusable banner of book covers. Cut them to size and have students decorate them with markers or stickers to reflect one of their favorite books. Once completed, string them together to make a colorful and personalized book cover banner. Students can even write a summary or a review about the book and place it on the back. If you simply want a decorative piece, use the book covers from hardcover books that are lying around and follow the same steps.
Reuse spare buttons from old clothes to make charming bookmarks. Thread a colorful ribbon or string through the buttonholes and attach it to a paper clip or bobby pin. These button bookmarks add a whimsical touch to textbooks and notebooks. This is a great way to divide notebooks using specific colors for subjects or as a craft project for market days.
Turn outgrown or worn-out jeans into a stylish apron for art projects or science experiments. Cut the jeans along the seams to create the apron shape, add pockets for holding supplies, and customize with fabric patches or embroidery. You can follow this tutorial to turn your old jeans into a kid-sized apron. If you have old cooking aprons, you can cut those just above the pockets, hem the cut, and use those as well.
Repurpose old fabrics and sheets and use them as covers for your bulletin boards. Make sure to wash the fabric before using so you won’t need to take them off unless they get stained or cut. Staple the sheets over the board just as you would paper. Using fabric allows teachers to use the same board year after year without having to replace them. You can get creative with any extra fabric by cutting it into different shapes and using them as frames when you staple documents to the board.
Craft magazine holders from cereal boxes or sturdy cardboard by cutting them to size and decorating them with wrapping paper, contact paper, or fabric. These DIY magazine holders keep papers and folders organized on desks and shelves. Have students bring in their own cereal boxes to decorate and use. Use decorative duct tape to wrap the edges of the boxes to add strength and durability.
By repurposing recyclable materials into back-to-school essentials, students can foster creativity, save money, and contribute to environmental sustainability. These DIY projects not only reduce waste but also encourage resourcefulness and innovation. Embracing a mindset of reuse and upcycling can turn everyday items into functional and personalized school supplies that make the classroom a more colorful and eco-conscious place to learn and grow.
