Replacing Plastic Water Bottles

What can a kid do to impact the environment? Learn about how using a refillable water bottle is a simple way to make a big difference.

• 1.

  Grabbing a plastic water bottle is a quick and easy way to bring water on the go. What are the environmental, financial and other costs for this convenience? Research the true “cost” of manufacturing, using and disposing of a plastic water bottle.

• 2.

  Share your findings with your class. What water bottle facts surprised you? It is difficult to completely avoid using plastic water bottles. What are some ways you can reduce your dependence on plastic water bottles? What can you do with the plastic water bottles you do use? Break into small groups and brainstorm ideas.

• 3.

  Creating art from recycled materials, like a plastic water bottle, is a positive way to reuse a discarded item. Select a recycled plastic bottle to create a project. Using Crayola® Crystal Effects Window Markers, decorate the bottle with different colors, shapes and designs. The markers created a cool, iced effect that makes the bottle shine!

• 4.

  Display the recycled art projects in a gallery alongside information about plastic water bottle waste in a prominent area in your classroom or school. Use your creativity to create awareness!

Benefits

• Children research the environment, financial and other costs of creating and using plastic water bottles.
• Students work in small groups to list viable solutions for reducing plastic water bottle use and brainstorm ideas to positively deal with plastic water bottles.
• Students create recycled art from plastic water bottles.
• Children display recycled art and water bottle use facts in a gallery to raise environmental awareness.

Adaptations

• What are some other creative crafting ideas for water bottles and other recycled materials? Sponsor an eco-art show to help celebrate Earth Day in your school.
• Visit a local recycling facility. Find out what happens after you place an item in the recycling bin. Create a poster depicting the life cycle of a water bottle.
• Extend recycled materials into other areas of the curriculum. How can you incorporate water bottles and other recyclables into lesson plans for social studies or math? Creative use of these materials can help with rich, hands-on learning experiences.