Are you tired of constantly buying new packs of crayons for your kids, only to have them break or run out of color quickly? Or maybe you're looking for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional wax crayons? Look no further, because homemade crayons are the perfect solution!
Not only are homemade crayons fun and easy to make, but they also help reduce waste and promote a greener lifestyle. In this article, we'll discuss why traditional crayons are bad for the environment, the benefits of making your own, what you'll need, and step-by-step instructions on how to make them.
Why Traditional Crayons are Bad for the Environment
Traditional wax crayons are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum. This means that every time we use a crayon, we are contributing to the demand for fossil fuels and the pollution caused by their extraction and production. Additionally, most crayons come in plastic packaging, which adds to the plastic waste that ends up in landfills and our oceans.
Moreover, when crayons are thrown away, they can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. This is especially concerning when it comes to children's crayons, as they are more likely to break and be discarded frequently.
Why Making Your Own Crayons is Better for the Environment
Making your own crayons is a simple and effective way to reduce your carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable lifestyle. By using materials that are already available, you are reducing the demand for new resources and minimizing waste.
Homemade crayons also allow you to control the ingredients used, ensuring that they are non-toxic and safe for children to use. Plus, they can be made in any shape or color, making them a fun and personalized activity for kids.
What You'll Need
- Old or broken crayons (preferably non-toxic)
- Silicone molds (can be found in various shapes and sizes)
- Oven or microwave
- Oven-safe container or microwave-safe bowl
- Knife or grater (for breaking down the crayons)
- Optional: Essential oils for scent and glitter for added fun
Directions
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Gather all your old or broken crayons and remove any paper or plastic wrappers. Sort them by color if desired.
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Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) or set your microwave to medium heat.
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Break or grate the crayons into small pieces and place them in an oven-safe container or microwave-safe bowl. If using essential oils, add a few drops to the mixture for a pleasant scent.
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Place the container or bowl in the oven or microwave and let the crayons melt. This should take about 10-15 minutes in the oven or 2-3 minutes in the microwave. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
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Once the crayons are completely melted, carefully remove them from the oven or microwave. If using glitter, sprinkle it into the melted crayon mixture and stir gently.
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Pour the melted crayon mixture into the silicone molds. You can mix colors or create layers for a more unique look.
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Let the crayons cool and harden for at least an hour. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.
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Once the crayons are completely hardened, pop them out of the molds and they're ready to use!
Responsible Disposal of Old Crayons
Now that you have your homemade crayons, what should you do with your old or broken ones? Instead of throwing them away, consider donating them to a local school or daycare center. You can also recycle them by melting them down and making new crayons or sending them to a crayon recycling program.
Other Creative Uses for Old Crayons
Aside from making new crayons, there are many other creative ways to repurpose old or broken crayons. Here are a few ideas:
- Use them as a colorful and eco-friendly alternative to candles.
- Create a colorful and unique piece of art by melting crayons onto a canvas.
- Use them to make homemade lip balm or lotion bars.
- Use them to make homemade playdough or slime.
- Use them to make colorful and scented homemade soap.
Conclusion
Homemade crayons are a fun and eco-friendly solution to traditional wax crayons. By making your own, you are reducing waste, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle, and creating a fun activity for kids. So next time you're about to throw away old or broken crayons, remember that they can be given a new life with just a little bit of creativity and effort. Let's all do our part in creating a greener and cleaner planet for future generations.
