How To Make Recycled Paper With Kids

How To Make Recycled Paper With Kids. This simple Earth Day Activity will have a lasting impact on how your kids understand recycling!

    

In my house, Earth Day is every day. Our kids enjoy washing out containers to recycle them, attending beach clean ups, and caring for the environment. My five-year-old can not be outside without finding “litter” and throwing it away. We even look forward to planting our annual tree for Arbor Day!

Since my boys are getting older and enjoying science experiments more, I thought it would be educational and exciting to make our own recycled paper. Initially, my oldest asked why we would want to make our own paper instead of just buying it. Then, he thought about it and wondered was all paper recycled?

The nerdier side of me enjoyed explaining that a number of trees had to be cut down to produce paper and showing him that most of the items we purchase are made from recycled products. I did not expect him to be so shocked, and now we’ll be forever making recycled paper for his use (so precious).

How To Make Recycled Paper With Kids

Materials:

• Mesh fabric
• Large popsicle sticks
• Cardboard egg carton
• Rolling pin
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun and glue

Directions:

Step 1: Rip the egg carton into small pieces. Place into a blender until shredded.

Step 2: Boil two cups of water. My one-year-old has no fear. So to include him and avoid him approaching the stove, I let him dump the water from the measuring cups into the pot at the sink. (Always have to be cautious with kids!)

Step 3: Hot glue popsicle sticks together by the edges to create a square. We used eight sticks to create a large piece of paper.

Step 4: Hot glue the mesh to the back of the sticks. Cut off any remaining fabric hanging over the sticks.

Step 5: By now your water should be boiling.  Pour it into your blender with your egg carton pieces. The hot water will start to turn the carton into a pulp like consistency. Place the lid back onto the blender and blend the carton and water until it creates a soup-like concoction.

Step 6: Place the frame upside down over a large, rectangle baking pan. Pour the blended carton over the frame and use the rolling pin to spread the pulp evenly.

Step 7: Let dry! We weren’t sure how long the drying process would take so after an hour we all got pretty restless. We ended up putting it into the oven at the lowest degree baking setting (200 degrees Fahrenheit) for about twenty minutes. Check frequently because it can burn!

Step 8: Enjoy your new paper! My kids proudly loved drawing on their new recycled creation.

Happy Earth Day!

Gina

Want more recycling crafts for kids?

• Help Your Kids Be More Green
• Toilet Paper Roll Boats
• Toilet Paper Roll Seed Starters
• Name Art With Sticks

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