Earth Day (April 22nd) is the perfect time to teach kids about sustainability through fun and engaging Earth Day crafts for kids. Using upcycled materials, these recycled art projects help reduce waste while encouraging creativity. Whether at home or in the classroom, these eco-friendly crafting ideas inspire children to turn trash into treasure while learning the importance of protecting our planet.

Here are some exciting and simple sustainable Earth Day activities to try!

1.    Toilet Roll Seed Starters

Give empty toilet paper rolls a second life by using them as biodegradable seed starters!

     How to Make It:

1. Flatten and cut toilet paper rolls in half.
2. Fold the bottom edges inward to create a base.
3. Fill with soil and plant seeds like herbs, flowers, or veggies.
4. Water lightly and place in a sunny spot.
5. Once the seedlings sprout, plant the entire roll in the garden—no waste needed!

This project teaches kids about plant growth while promoting sustainable gardening.

2.    Cardboard Castles & Creations

Remember how we used to have fun before technology took over playtime? Turn old cardboard boxes into magical castles, forts, or playhouses with this creative upcycling project!

     How to Make It:

1. Gather old cardboard boxes from deliveries or packaging.
2. Cut windows and doors using child-safe scissors.
3. Decorate with markers, paint, or leftover fabric scraps.
4. Add paper towel rolls for turrets and egg cartons for texture.
5. Let kids play and imagine their own eco-friendly kingdom!

This activity sparks creativity and reduces cardboard waste while encouraging hands-on play.

3.    DIY Beeswax Wraps

Teach kids about sustainable living by making reusable food wraps from fabric and beeswax!

     How to Make It:

1. Cut cotton fabric into small squares or circles.
2. Melt beeswax pellets over low heat.
3. Brush melted wax evenly onto fabric pieces.
4. Let cool and use to wrap snacks, sandwiches, or cover bowls.

These wraps replace plastic wrap and help reduce single-use waste, making it a perfect Earth Day lesson in sustainability. 

Pro Tip: If you aren’t feeling up to making these, but would love to have them around, check out our PUR Evergreen Beeswax Wraps

4.    Tin Can Planters

Upcycle empty tin cans into adorable planters for flowers or herbs.

     How to Make It:

1. Clean and remove labels from tin cans.
2. Punch a few drainage holes in the bottom.
3. Let kids paint and decorate the cans with non-toxic paint.
4. Fill with soil and plant seeds or small plants.
5. Place on windowsills or in outdoor gardens.

This craft promotes plant care while repurposing household items.

5.    Egg Carton Critters

Transform egg cartons into fun animal shapes like turtles, ladybugs, or caterpillars.

     How to Make It:

1. Cut egg cartons into sections.
2. Paint them in bright colors.
3. Use googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and recycled paper for details.
4. Let dry and use for storytelling or decoration.

This hands-on craft encourages creativity while reducing waste from discarded egg cartons.

6.    Newspaper Bead Jewelry

Did you know? Old newspapers can be turned into beautiful, handmade beads for necklaces or bracelets!

     How to Make Them:

1. Cut newspaper into long triangles.
2. Roll tightly around a skewer and secure with glue.
3. Paint or coat with eco-friendly varnish for durability.
4. String onto yarn or twine to create unique jewelry pieces.

This craft is a great way to teach kids about repurposing paper while making wearable art.

Engaging kids in Earth Day crafts for kids helps foster environmental awareness and creativity at the same time. These upcycled crafts and sustainable Earth Day activities show how everyday items can be transformed into something new and useful. By making eco-friendly crafting ideas a part of Earth Day, we teach children that small actions can lead to a greener future.

Which upcycled craft will you try first? Share your ideas in the comments!