HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
Our local zoo hosted a Party for the Planet, and our moms group not only disseminated information on living sustainably, but we also provided a kid- and earth-friendly craft for visitors of all ages!
While a few moms gathered with zoo visitors to discuss buying local produce or choosing non-toxic cleaners, a few other moms sat with children and adults to make earth-friendly bird feeders. It was a simple, fun, hands-on activity that the children loved!
Each child was given an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll that was tied with a string. They painted the roll with honey, then simply rolled it in a small, wild bird seed mixture. The kids loved getting sticky, and the parents loved the simplicity (and the recycled paper bags we provided them in which to take the seeded rolls home)!
It was a great way to show kids how home products can be re-used, and to connect them with nature right in their back yard.
Preparation
- Over the course of about a month, each mom in our group collected empty toilet paper, paper towel, and wrapping paper rolls (which were cut down to toilet paper roll size). We needed about 100 rolls for the event. Before the event, each roll was punched with two holes in one end (for the string or twine).Other supplies that were gathered included honey*, re-usable or compostable bowls for the honey, small wild bird seed, re-usable shallow trays or aluminum pans to hold the seed, small-medium paint brushes, cotton twine, scissors, brown paper bags, and biodegradable, all-natural wet wipes.*shortening or peanut butter can also be used, but we chose honey to avoid peanut allergies.
Steps
- Thread a 2' length of twine through the pre-punched holes in the paper roll, and tie the ends in a knot.
- Give the child a roll with string and a paint brush, and let them "paint" their roll with honey.
- Once the roll is covered in honey, hold the string for the child while they roll their sticky creation in a tray of bird seed.
- Holding the string, explain to the child how they can take the seed-covered roll home and hang from a tree branch, fence post, or wherever they choose. They will see birds come to their very own home-made feeder!
- Carefully drop the seed roll into an empty brown paper bag for the child to carry with them without getting sticky or losing their seeds.
- Clean-up time! Offer a natural wet wipe to each parent and child.
