By Holly Sosa
My two boys learned all about recycling and repurposing in school last year and it has since become something they understand is important and love to help with. Our family recycles all of our plastic and glass; even using an additional trash can in our kitchen to keep them separated., but whenever we can repurpose something, we much prefer that. One of our favorite things to do is to repurpose items like leftover toilet paper rolls and milk jugs. Most recently, we were inspired by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Care To Recycle® Program, we decided to create a project repurposing old lids and popsicle sticks to make these fun DIY Mini Banjos.
SUPPLIES
- popsicle sticks
- lids or caps
- washi tape
- glue
- small rubber bands
- puff paint
Most of my old lotions and creams lids were clean and plain, but one was from an old jam jar and had a bunch of wording on it, so I covered it with some pretty paper, using glue to adhere it to the inside of the lid.
Next, I wrapped a few rubber bands around each lid. You can do as many or as little as you’d like. I went with three rubber bands for three strings on our little banjos.
Using some hot glue, I adhered the lids to the popsicle sticks. If you do this while the glue is hot, you’ll lose your rubber bands. You’ll need to wait until the glue is slightly tacky and room temperature before attaching the lid to the popsicle stick itself.
What’s a project without some washi tape, right? I raided my tape stash to cover the necks of our banjos in pretty colors and florals.
Lastly, I used some puff paint to add the tuning pegs to each banjo and let it dry for about an hour.
I tested these out because who can resist these tiny little banjos, and they do actually work. Each string makes a different note and each lid gave a different sound. They are really fun and my kiddos all enjoyed playing with them as they imagined making their own band of banjo players.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. truly inspired a fun family activity for us with their Care To Recycle® Program. They encouraged us to think outside the box and repurpose items we would usually just toss with their message to break down barriers commonly associated with recycling in the bathroom by showing that recycling in the bathroom can be easy and fun! This activity showed my kids (and me!) that recycling no longer needs to be viewed as just another household chore; showing my kids how to recycle can be one of life’s little teachable moments that can have a lasting impact.
MORE UPCYCLING IDEAS
- transform Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo bottles into craft supply holders
- create a fun sailboat toy
- make a bird feeder to attract wildlife
- use empty bottles for travel storage of hair ties, jewelry, and more
- repurpose old bandage boxes by covering them with fabric and filling it with first aid supplies for your purse
- recycle the plastic to create new jewelry like earrings and necklaces
Everything from shampoo and mouthwash bottles (we use our old mouthwash bottles to store hair ties when we travel) to soap and bandage boxes (repurpose an old bandage box into a first aid kit for your purse!) can be recycled. To better understand which bathroom products can and cannot be recycled, visit www.caretorecycle.com.
How do you recycle used bathroom supplies? Will this fun tutorial inspire you to create new purposed for old bottles? I’d love to hear your ideas and creative thoughts in the comments below. Don’t for get to visit the Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Care To Recycle® website for more information and additional tips for recycling in the bathroom.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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