Making crafts with your kids helps build their imagination and creativity. Providing them with the supplies they need to create wonderful and unique crafts does not have to be harmful to the planet or your kiddos. From paints and glitter to glue and ribbons, eco-friendly craft supplies are easy to find and use. So, ditch those traditional supplies and help your kids make eco-friendly choices that make a difference.
ECO-KIDS—Finger Paint
Finger painting is one of the first forays into art a child takes. Covering their hands with paint and applying it to construction paper is fun—and now it’s safe, too. Made with organic fruit and vegetable extracts together with potato, rice, and beans, these colourful all-natural paints are sure to keep your kiddos exploring with colour. Food-safe, non-GMO, and organic. Suitable for ages 3 and older. For orders In Canada: jillandthebeanstalk.ca. For the United States: bellalunatoys.com
NATURAL EARTH PAINT—Eco-Friendly Glitter
Glitter adds a certain glitz to any art project. Just apply it with glue and admire your creative vision. In the past, this was a toxic and environmentally unfriendly way to decorate your art, but now you can use 100% biodegradable glitter that contains no plastic, is plant-based, and is packaged in glass jars or metal tins. Comes in non-toxic gold, silver, bronze, and turquoise. shop.naturalearthpaint.ca
ONYX & GREEN—Recycled Plastic Scissors
When it comes to kids creating pieces of art, they’re bound to need to use scissors. These round-tipped stainless-steel scissors are safer to use than your standard everyday scissors—no sharp points! The handles are made from recycled plastic and are anti-microbial, making these scissors sustainable, too. Packaging is made of cardboard and is recyclable. Not suitable for kids under the age of 3. onyxandgreen.com
ECO-KIDS—Eco-Friendly Paintbrush Set
Eventually, your kiddos will want to use paintbrushes for their creative painting projects. Supply them with eco-kids brushes with wood handles! Cleans up easily and is ready for the next use. Packaging is completely compostable in your home compost. The less plastic that enters our landfills, the better. arthouseandcompany.com
TESSA BUNNY’S—Organic Non-Toxic School Glue
Many art projects at home and school require things to stick together. Choosing a glue that is non-toxic to your kids is crucial, but look for glue that is organic too! Tessa Bunny’s is 100 percent chemical-free and is made with certified organic ingredients. Synthetic glues contain petroleum and chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and nasal passages. Do your kids a solid and have them stick to non-toxic glue. tessabunny.com
CREAM CITY RIBBON—Eco-Friendly Ribbon
Ribbon is the ultimate decorative finisher for not just gifts but for crafts, too. With several colours to choose from, finishing off your artwork is only limited by your imagination. Choosing ribbon that is made from natural cotton fibres and dyed with non-toxic water and soy-based inks is the right choice for your artwork and the environment. It’s plastic-free, compostable (green bin or garden), and biodegradable. Comes packaged on a cardboard spool. wrappily.com
