How to Make Something Useful Out of Something Recycled

Recycling is good for the environment but recycling to make something useful is extra rewarding. Making a bird feeder from a used milk carton is a simple, inexpensive way to have fun recycling. It is a good project for young children, not only to teach them how they can recycle but also to teach them about how birds feed. Making a milk carton bird feeder isn't just for children, though; even adults can have fun with this project.

Things You'll Need

  • Empty milk carton
  • Scissors
  • Skewer
  • String
  • Birdseed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash out the milk carton with warm water.

    • 2

      Use the scissors to cut out a square on two opposite sides of the empty milk carton. The cut should be made about a third of the way up the milk carton and take up the middle third of that side. The squares should go from one edge to the other to allow enough room for a bird to feed.

    • 3

      Press the skewer through the milk carton under the square cuts to create a perch for the birds. Make sure the skewer protrudes on both sides.

    • 4

      Use one point of the scissors to create a small hole in the top of the milk carton. Thread a four-inch length of string through the hole and tie it at the top.

    • 5

      Fill the feeder with birdseed and hang it from a tree branch in your back yard.