Last week, we reported that thanks to artist Brian Yanish and his creation, The Scrap Kins, kids are having fun learning about key environmental issues the hands-on way. Here’s a little more information on what the Scrap Kins are up to next!

Yanish and The Scrap Kins have partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Society and are organizing a series of recycled arts and crafts workshops (“craft jams”) around New York City. Kids get to build crafts (bird houses, book marks, masks, and robots, to name a few) out of scrap materials like cereal boxes, toilet paper tubes, and egg cartons. Yanish also organizes eco-fashion shows—catwalk and all!—where he teaches kids how to make costumes out of recycled materials.

Even if you’re not in New York, your kids can still get in on the Scrap Kins fun with Digger’s Page Peeker bookmark, an eco-craft made from an old cereal box. Check it out!

-Stephanie Eckelcamp, KIWI editorial intern

The holidays mean shopping—lots of shopping. And while I’m quite excited to help stimulate our ailing economy, I hate what this festive season means for the environment. Since starting a part-time retail job last month, I’m noticing just how much unnecessary waste we generate as holiday shoppers. Every time I reach for another glossy paper bag, I feel a tinge of guilt and hope it will be used as someone’s temporary lunch box once or twice before being tossed.

So what can we do about all this excess baggage? After some creative contemplation, I came up with my plan—I’m making all of my friends (and myself) reusable shopping bags out of my old t-shirts. They’re quick and simple and kill about four birds with one stone: you can get rid of old t-shirts, teach your kids valuable lessons about recycling, give them as gifts, and use them in place of wrapping paper and gift bags. Talk about versatile!

So let’s get started. You’ll need a t-shirt, needle, thread, scissors, and fabric paints, if you’re feeling creative.

Step 1: Start by turning the shirt inside out and pinning the bottom by the hem. Then sew along the hem.
Step 2: Cut off the sleeves at the seam. Now your shirt is sleeveless and the armholes will act as the handles of your bag.
Step 3: Use a large bowl and trace a half-circle around the neck of the shirt. Cut this out to create the opening for your bag.
Step 4: Decorate!

And voila! You’ve got yourself a tote. Happy holiday shopping!

-Stephanie Eckelkamp, KIWI intern and human sewing machine

If spring has been a long time coming in your neck of the woods, why not celebrate with a silk dyeing party?  Here’s what you’ll need:

• Plain 100% silks in various sizes. Dharma Trading Company is one source.
• Beets, marigolds, coffee, onion skins, carrots and other items from nature to use as dyes

And here’s how to do it:

1. The night before: Cut up plant materials. Chop or crush hard materials such as roots. Soak overnight in a glass or enamel bowl with just enough water to cover.
2. Next day. Pour contents of the bowl into a stainless steel pan. Bring to a boil on stove and simmer gently for about one hour. Check it frequently and add water when needed.
3. Strain dye through a sieve to remove plant material. Allow liquid to cool.
4. Soak silks in hot water for 20-30 minutes
5. Remove 1-4 silks from hot water, squeeze and stir into dye
6. Simmer for 20-45 minutes, until dye is absorbed into silks, stirring often
7. Let cool a bit and remove (carefully) with tongs
8. Hang outside from clothesline or tree-limbs and let dry in the breeze

Use silks for dancing, dressing up, imagination play, wrapping gifts, or anything else your heart desires!

-Lynn and Corey Colwell, mother-daughter duo and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.

Find lunchtime waste worrisome? This adorable, sandwich sack lets you bag the baggie habit for a more sustainable option. All you need to get started is:

1/2 yard oilcloth
4 large paper clips
1 hook and eye
2 buttons
1 thin hair elastic
Pinking shears
Ruler
Scissors
Sewing machine
Needle and thread

Click for direction to get started.

– Stephanie Singer, KIWI staff and wannabe crafter

Make this V-Day memorable with these green ways to say, “I love you!”:

• Couples Yoga — Yoga studios all over are hosting couples yoga classes teaching techniques to help relax each other, ease pain and tension, and connect in a loving, healing way.
• Cook Dinner — Create your favorite meal with organic or local ingredients. Be sure to save room for dessert. On the menu, our Chocolaty Coconut Mini Tortes.
• Send an Eco-Craft — Create handmade valentines with our easy-to-make eco-crafts: Card-io and Love Bug.
• Rethink Romantic Gifts – “Consider giving e-cards instead of paper cards, antique or recycled jewelry, ethical chocolate, organic (or home-grown) flowers, and digital playlists instead of packaged CDs. If you must wrap your gift, consider planet-friendly options.” (from Sierra Club)

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of holidays

As a kid, I loved shrinky dink art. In fact, I still do. I am fascinated by the shrinking process and how bold the colors look when it is finished.I found this Eco-Craft that you and your kids will surely love. The best part: it is made with #6 plastic. Way to put the eco in Eco-Craft!

—Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of shrinky dinks

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year!

This is the Year of the Ox. You can join the festivities with our Lucky Money Eco-Craft. All you need to get started is:

Red recycled construction paper
Nontoxic markers or soybean crayons
Scissors
Nontoxic glue
Ruler

Don’t forget to read how Maylee celebrates Chinese New Year in her column, Maylee’s Moment. Her class always throws a party in their classroom. What do you do for Chinese New Year?

Enjoy!

–Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of Chinese New Year