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Recycled Crafts: Kids Will Love to Make This Bird Feeder

By Renae Gonzalez, publisher of Macaroni Kid Brentwood, Calif. April 9, 2019

Looking for an easy Earth Day craft using recycled products? This easy-to-make bird feeder is made entirely with recycled cartons and materials you already have around the house. 


I decided to tackle this Earth-friendly craft with my girls after opening the fridge and -- ta-da! -- found two almost-empty cartons of almond milk. (You know how it goes. You buy one while grocery shopping just to discover you already have a full one at home and then, instead of saving that one, someone opens it and now you have two open. I know this doesn't just happen at my house, right? Sigh.)

Anyway, we had our materials. Now, what to make with them? The birds chirping in celebration of spring outside of our windows gave me all of the rest of the inspiration we needed: bird feeders! It turned out to be a craft that was easy to make and was a great way to celebrate Earth Day.

What you need: 

  • Empty cartons
  • Knife
  • Scissors
  • Yarn or string
  • Paint
  • Bird seed

 Instructions:

  1. Have an adult cut out the sides of the carton. The choice is up to you how many sides you would like to cut out -- you can cut out one, two, three, or all four sides. 
  2. Now it’s time to decorate! Get creative and have fun!
  3. Poke holes in the top of the carton, then string the yarn through the holes. 
  4. Fill the container will birdseed.
  5. Hang in a spot outside.
  6. Wait for the birds to enjoy!

It didn't take long for the birds to discover our new bird feeders! 

Ready to tackle this fun craft? We’d love to see your bird feeder made from recycled items! Post your recycled bird feeder on Instagram and tag us (@macaronikid) so we can see your recycled work of art! 

Renae Gonzalez is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Brentwood, Calif.