Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to look closely at our daily habits and find creative ways to repurpose items we already have at home. Transforming everyday household items into something brand new is a great way to introduce the concept of upcycling to your family. Instead of tossing an empty milk or juice carton into the recycling bin, you can easily transform it into a vibrant, functional recycled bird feeder.
If you are looking for the perfect audio companion for this Earth Day activity, the Sunspeed Explorers Pocket Tonies is a wonderful addition to your family's crafting table. This set features four 25-minute episodes: Diving In!, No Waste!, Share It!, and Use Again! following three eco-conscious friends on adventures that highlight the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" approach.
Popping one of these figures onto your Toniebox provides a supportive, screen-free listening experience that naturally complements the upcycling spirit of building your new recycled bird feeder.
Let's Get Started!
To get started on this Earth Day project, you will need a few basic tools and some colorful supplies to bring your feeder to life.
- One empty cardboard milk or juice carton (thoroughly rinsed and dried)
- A craft knife or a pair of sharp scissors *Adult Use Only
- Decorative duct tape in your favorite patterns and colors
- Sturdy string or embroidery floss
- An assortment of beads
- A sewing needle
- A sturdy stick or a small fallen branch from your yard
How to Build Your Carton Bird Feeder
Building this recycled bird feeder is a fantastic collaborative project for adults and kids. We recommend adults handle the cutting steps, while the younger artists can take full control of the design and decoration!
1. Prepare the Feeder Window
An adult will complete this step. Using your craft knife or sharp scissors, carefully slice an oval or rectangular window into the front panel of the clean carton.
Ensure the window is large enough for birds to comfortably reach inside, but keep the cut high enough from the base so that the bottom of the carton acts as a deep tray to hold plenty of birdseed.
2. Wrap and Design
This is where the creative fun begins! Use decorative duct tape to cover the carton's exterior. The tape not only adds a vibrant splash of color to your yard but also helps weather-proof the cardboard.
Wrap the tape around the sides, overlapping slightly for full coverage. You can even layer different patterns to create stripes or geometric designs. When you reach the window you cut in step one, simply snip the tape at the corners and fold the edges inward for a clean, smooth border.
3. Create a Sturdy Perch
Birds appreciate a place to land before they eat. Have an adult use the craft knife to cut a small "X" directly below the feeder window. Cut another small "X" on the back panel of the carton, perfectly lined up with the front one.
Gently slide your sturdy stick through the front opening and out the back. This provides a secure, balanced perch for your local birds to rest on while they snack.
4. String the Hanger and Add Beads
To hang your feeder, cut three long strands of embroidery floss. Carefully poke two small holes on opposite sides of the very top of the carton. Thread your floss through one hole, string it across the inside of the top fold, and pull it out the other side.
Loop the string over the top ridge and repeat this threading process until all three strands are securely holding the carton.
Before tying off the top of your hanger, let your young crafters thread an assortment of colorful beads onto the strings. This is a lovely way to add a personalized, artistic touch to the project. Once the beads are in place, tie the strings together in a sturdy knot.
Hang Your Feeder and Enjoy!
Pour a generous scoop of birdseed into the bottom tray of your freshly decorated carton. Find a quiet, visible branch in your yard or outside your window, and securely tie the beaded hanger to the tree.
It might take a few days for the local birds to discover their new eatery, but keeping the feeder stocked with fresh seed encourages them to return. Watching different species visit your yard is a wonderful way to connect with the environment and celebrate Earth Day all season long.