Inspiring kids to be creative and artistic while being eco-friendly is one of the most fun ways to encourage green living in children. Here are some simple and easy green ways in which you can increase creativity in your kids and also save the environment.

Make Doodle Pads out of Scrap Paper

According to results of a research study published in the Science Daily , doodling helps memory recall. Plus, doodling is a great way to boost creativity as well.

Make eco-friendly doodle pads for the kids with sheets of paper that have just one side written on. Stash extras in the art closet while leaving a few lying around to let the kids scribble on them.

Nature-Based Art Projects

Nature walks are a great way to introduce kids to different plants, animals and insects. They’re also a great way to stock up on raw material for art projects.

Inspire creative thinking in kids by encouraging them to engage in at least one nature-based art project. It could be as simple as sticking leaves on cardstock for preschoolers to as advanced as making reusable cloth bags for tweens.

If you need some ideas, TLC Family’s website has tons of Nature craft and experiment ideas to choose from.

Hold an Art from Trash Exhibition

Gather kids in the family or neighbourhood and give them a carton of “trash” or scrap material and tell them to let their imaginations run loose. Used gift wrap, old greeting cards, raggedy t-shirts,  newspapers, magazines, empty cans or cartons are just some of the things you could include in the “trash”.

Include some basic craft supplies – scissors, glue and paint and then, watch them come up with creative masterpieces.

Put on an exhibition displaying their works of art and who knows, maybe you could even sell a pencil holder made of an empty can.

Garden Up Some Creativity

Gardening is a fun family activity that can inspire kids in more ways than one. A kitchen garden or even, potted herbs are a simple yet easy way to boost creativity in kids while encouraging them to be green and eco-friendly.

Involve your kids in choosing plants, the layout of the garden and other gardening-related activities, especially using the produce or the flowers and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is for them to learn about sustainability and self-sufficiency while thinking creatively.

Inspiring kids to be creative and eco-friendly isn’t a difficult job. What will be difficult will be getting them to stop once they start!

Photo Credit: D.Sharon Pruitt