Every year, countless broken or stubby crayons are thrown into the trash. These bits may seem harmless, but because they’re made of paraffin wax, a petroleum-based material, they can take decades to break down in our landfills. Small bits of crayon that fall out of the trash or get left behind after outdoor coloring activities can also be washed into storm drains and our ocean.
The good news? You can give crayons a second life with a simple, fun craft project that’s perfect for keiki and adults alike! This creative activity not only helps keep waste out of our landfills but also teaches the value of reusing materials in a colorful, hands-on way. It’s a small, fun project to encourage keiki to reduce, reuse, and recycle, while introducing the topic of storm water pollution to them.
With just a few supplies, you can turn leftover pieces into brand-new crayons in custom shapes, swirls, and more!
Give this easy DIY a try and show your keiki how small changes – like recycling old crayons – can make a big difference.
Materials you’ll need:
- Old crayons
- Silicone molds
- Baking sheets
- Oven or toaster oven
Instructions:
- Gather your crayons and remove any paper wrappers left on them.
- Break the crayons into small pieces and place them into your silicone molds. You can group similar colors together or mix them up for a marbled look. Be sure to leave some room for your crayons to melt.
- Preheat your oven to 250°F.
- Once your oven is heated, put your molds on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crayons are fully melted.
- Remove them carefully from the oven. Mix the melted wax if you want to blend colors or create a swirl effect.
- Let the wax cool completely. Once hardened, pop out your brand-new crayons and start coloring!
Source: National Crayon Recycle Program
