By Louise Ulukaya, Founder of Mon Coeur
Earth Month is a great time to teach kids about taking care of the environment, and one of the best ways to do this is through play. This Earth Month, Louise Ulukaya, mom and founder of Mon Coeur, shares three of her favorite upcycling projects that families can do at home using common household items. These activities will inspire your kids to think differently about waste and how they can reuse it. Plus, she’ll share tips on how to talk to kids about sustainability and the importance of reducing waste.
3 Upcycling projects to do at home:
Old T-Shirt Tote Bag
Teaching children to be conscious of the environment and the importance of reducing waste is an invaluable lesson, and one that can start right in the home. The good news is that you don’t have to look far for creative ways to upcycle common household items, such as old t-shirts. All we need is a few simple supplies, like scissors, fabric glue, and a pair of old jeans, to turn an unwanted t-shirt into a stylish tote bag that your little one can take with them wherever they go.
This project is a great way to repurpose clothes that our kids have outgrown and turn them into something fun and functional. Plus, it’s easy enough for kids of all ages to join in and make their own upcycled creation.
Planters from Recyclables
Adding some greenery to our home doesn’t have to involve a trip to the store. With just a few everyday items, you can make some beautiful upcycled planters that will add some character and life to any room. Making planters from recyclable materials is a fun and creative activity for little ones, and a great way to repurpose common household items while adding some greenery to your home.
Egg Carton Flower Garden
This sustainable project is a fun way for kids to get creative and learn more about upcycling. All we need is an egg carton, some paint, soil, and some flower seeds. Cut the egg carton into individual sections and paint them with your favorite colors. Fill the sections with soil and sprinkle the flower seeds on top. Place the carton in a sunny spot and water it every day until the flowers have grown. This project is a great way to teach kids about reusing and recycling materials!
Don’t forget your Lalo Play Kit - the perfect space for littles to craft and explore!
How to talk to kids about sustainability and the importance of reducing waste
Here are three tips on how to start talking about sustainability and reducing waste together with your little ones:
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Show your children what sustainable living looks like. Demonstrate sustainable practices such as composting or recycling, and explain why it’s important for the environment. You can even make upcycling activities out of these practices, such as creating a garden out of recyclables!
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Get our kids involved in clean-ups or environmental awareness initiatives. Let them take ownership over the small steps they’re taking to help improve our environment and teach them how their individual actions can make a difference.
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Educate our kids on the importance of buying items made from sustainable materials. Emphasize the importance of making thoughtful decisions when purchasing items, not just for their own health but for the health of our planet as well.
By teaching little ones about sustainability, you're not only making a positive impact on the environment but also giving your children the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the world. So this Earth Month, let’s start a conversation with our little ones about the importance of sustainable living and reducing waste while having fun!
About Mon Coeur
Mon Coeur was born to imagine a world where the planet comes first, making kinder clothing for earth-loving kids. Spun from reclaimed organic cotton fiber, our soft and cozy fabrics are made with care down to every last fiber. Imagine if the fabric for kids clothes could be reclaimed from the atelier floor of more grown-up garments. What if buttons, patches and zippers could help to keep plastic out of the ocean? Could we close the loop on kids’s clothing?
That’s wearing our heart on your sleeve. We’re dedicated to making kids clothing that lasts, so the planet does, too.
