Meet Our Staff - And Get Four Fun Recycling Ideas

Meet Our Staff - And Get Four Fun Recycling Ideas

Did you know you can make a flashlight out of old Christmas tree bulbs? If you want to learn this and other fun recycling ideas from some of our staff, keep reading! We'll let you in on Four of our favorite recycling ideas for you to share with your children.

Meet Our Bookkeeper, Christina Salinas


Bookkeeper, Christina Salinas

One of my favorite recycling activities uses two liter soda bottles. I take two liter bottles cut them in half, then cut shapes out of the sides for air and water to fall through. I'll also cut some small holes on the bottom. I'll take pieces of broken plant pots, dishes, etc. and place them in the bottle for a layered look. The soda bottle is a pretty container for an orchid to go in.

To prevent wasting food, I like to take left over trail mix, bird seed and other nut items and place them with lard on a pine cone for birds. I also save non-dairy food products with no meat in them, and create compost for my plants and gardens.

Meet Discovery Center Educator, Gioia Frank


Educator, Gioia Frank

I subscribe to a Yahoo Group called "Clovis Freecycle." This is part of a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources and eases the burden on our landfills. The idea is that one person's trash is another person's treasure. I frequently ask for recyclables for the Discovery Center. My last request was for things we needed for Winter Camp, like baby food jars for snow globes and newspapers for the Structures class. I have also received yogurt lids for the Spinning Tops class, soda bottles for making lung models and rockets, cardboard tubes, acorns and many other "trash" items that TDC educators have asked for. Anyone can use this site to collect materials for their recycling projects!

Meet Discovery Center Educator, Helen Garzon


Educator, Helen Garzon

Recycling isn't just putting bottles and cans in a blue bin. Get creative! Bread bags can be kites, Tin cans drums, and the little white plastic things in the middle of pizzas make great Barbie tables!

Meet Our Executive Director, Janet Berry


Executive Director, Janet Berry

My favorite recycling activity uses old Christmas tree lights to make mini flashlights! Don't throw this seasons old Christmas tree lights away!

Materials
Old Christmas tree lights
9 volt battery
Wire strippers or kids scissors
Electrical tape

Cut the wires about two inches form the light bulb. Using wire strippers or dull scissors have the kids strip about 1/4 inch of plastic off the end of the copper wire. Tape the copper end on the battery and leave the other end free to turn off and on. The kids will have fun adding extra lights and making different types of switches. This project kept the kids busy all lunch hour on a rainy day at Winter Camp, so it's sure to keep your children entertained as well!

If you thought these recycling projects were fun, check out our complete listing of fun, hands-on science activities to engage your children, or even use in your classroom! You can also arrange for an exciting and educational field trip for your students, allowing them to imagine, create, and play during a Musical Trash class.

Don't miss out on all that we have to discover! Call 559-251-5533 today to plan your next fun event!