Creative upcycling for the classroom

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 backto- 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.

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.