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Recycled Crafts: Kids Will Love to Make This Bird Feeder

This easy craft is a perfect spring and Earth Day project for kids

By Renae Gonzalez, publisher of Macaroni Kid Brentwood, Calif. April 9, 2024

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 and is a perfect spring project for kids!

I decided to tackle this Earth-friendly craft with my girls after opening the fridge and — ta-da! — finding 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.

Bird feeder from recycled materials

What you need: 

  • Empty cartons
  • Knife
  • Scissors
  • Yarn or string
  • Paint
  • Birdseed

 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! Use paint or markers that will hold up to the weather.
  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! 

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