10 Ways to Upcycle Easter Goodies!

Make Stuff Monday!

Easter has come and gone already (wow!)…and now guess what remains? Well yes, definitely the over-stimulated, hyped up on sugary treats children…but also all the stuff that could potentially fill up our landfills and yet look so pretty at Easter! There’s so many ways we can save a dollar and help save the environment just by re-inventing what we might otherwise toss to the trash. This “upcycling” (Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value,” – Wikipedia) can be done with a little creativity and imagination on things such as Easter grass, leftover eggs, egg cartons and baskets! The list is endless!

1. Wrap any plastic wrap around toilet paper rolls to keep it from wrinkling – then store it until next year

2. Re-use any Easter grass as gift bag filler for birthdays or special occasions

3. Compost egg shells – grinding up the shells for use in the garden can add beneficial nutrients! Check out this informative site on how to compost your egg shells safely! http://blog.composters.com

4. Save sweets for a rainy day – no need for the kiddos ruin their teeth in a week! Nope, allow them to space out the art of blackening those pearly whites by saving the sugar for a rainy day. In all seriousness, this can be a good idea in that it gives them something to look forward to! Most wee ones do not have the ability to distinguish “too much” and rather than gorging – they can learn about moderation from the adults in their life taking control of their consumption (yes, we are the adults for a reason!). Too much sugar in the bloodstream for anyone can lead to health implications, and though it provides us with quick energy – it will only slow us down in the long-run.

“To keep energy levels going — and avoid weight gain — steer clear of foods with lots of simple carbohydrates (sugars) like candy bars or soda. Look for foods that contain complex carbohydrates like whole-grain breads and cereals and combine them with protein-rich snacks such as peanut butter or low-fat yogurt or cheese” (kidshealth.org).

Therefore, space it out and encourage/explain moderation to your kids! They are like little sponges and you may find that they are receptive to this idea too – empowering them to take care of and respect their body!

5. Games using plastic eggs:

• sort by color
• memory – fill with little trinkets and have them try to remember which egg holds which object
• number each egg for child to place in order numerically
• Give each egg half a letter – Add an uppercase letter to one half and a lowercase letter to the opposite half, help child match upper and lowercase letters by putting eggs back together
• write child’s name on eggs and have them put in order to learn name, address or phone number

6. Wipe baskets down before putting back into storage, using vinegar!

7. Donate unwanted baskets or give as a gift basket full of fresh fruit or organic tea to someone special!

8. Baskets for Storage: Baskets make for fun and easy storing of magazines, books, hair bows, CD’s or unsightly cords.

9.  Pretty Vase – Disguise the stems of your favorite floral arrangement by adding Easter grass to the vase

10. Plant seeds in the egg carton – Using the cardboard cartons, plant flower or gardening seeds in a leftover egg carton.

I love upcycling so much! It’s awesome to see “waste” reinvented into cool and swanky stuff! Have fun with this – the sky and your imagination are your only limits

Sound off!! Any other fab ideas for upcycling your extra leftover Easter stuff? As always – it makes me smile to read your thoughts!!!

Image Credits:

http://www.mommyofmany.com/2008/03/

http://www.southernsavers.com/2011/04/easter-candy-deals-printable-coupons-roundup/

http://www.dailycomedy.com/