What you will need for all 5 of these projects:

- empty plastic milk jugs with lids (washed well and dried)
- cutting tool
- scissors
- awl or thumbtack
- natural twine
- marker

Project #1 – Bird Feeder

Step 1

Using your cutting tool or scissors cut the top off the milk jug, leaving as large of a base as you prefer.

Step 2

Using an awl or a thumbtack, punch a hole in the center of each of the four sides. Thread twine through each hole and tie with a double knot.

Step 3

Tie all four pieces of twine together at the top in a knot, leaving a loop to hang the bird feeder by.

Step 4

Fill with your favorite organic bird seed and greet the birds as they arrive in your yard.

Project #2 – Lego Scoop

Step 1

Using a marker, trace the scoop shape onto a milk jug, leaving the handle of the jug.

Step 2

Using your cutting tool or scissor, cut out the scoop, leaving the handle in tact.

Step 3

Watch your child use the scoop to pick up large quantities of Lego’s, small toys or even sand at the beach.

Project #3 – Kids’ Dresser Drawer Organizer

Step 1

Cut the top of each milk jug off. I suggest cutting these to the height of your dresser drawers.

Step 2

Place in the dresser drawer and use to organize socks, underwear, hats, jewelry, ties, and hair accessories.

Project #4 -  Seed Starter

Step 1

Cut a milk jug in half, keeping the lower half.

Step 2

Fill with organic potting soil. Then, plant seeds, seedlings or other small plants. Place in a warm windowsill and watch them grow.

Project #5 – Watering Can

Step 1

Using an awl or thumbtack, make several small holes in a circular pattern at the top of milk jug (opposite the handle.)

Step 2

Fill the jug with water, replace the lid and send your child to the garden to water her plants.

What other fun ways have you found to recycle a milk jug?