A craft trend that is all the rage is making green crafts. Not the color - but the environmentally correct kind. They are inexpensive, fun, and teach kids about being creative when reusing and recycling. Going green with crafts is great because kids learn to be eco friendly and help the environment. Green crafts are inexpensive to make since you probably have all the materials already. Eco friendly arts and crafts also give kids a chance to let their creative spirit out - instead of using prepackaged, pre-conceived craft kits.

There are many items to use that you have around the house: cardboard boxes, plastic food containers, toilet and paper towel rolls; empty glass jars; old greeting and Christmas cards, plastic and paper bags; paper or Styrofoam plates; egg cartons; old Tupperware; wooden spoons, material scraps or worn out clothes, buttons, ribbons, used wrapping paper, etc.

Crafts can always be supplemented with some free gifts from mother nature, like leaves; sticks; sand; rocks/stones; flowers; pine cones, etc.

Keep a large box in the basement or garage and put items in that can be used for crafts. On a rainy day, let your kids and their friends make up their own crafts using the recycled materials. They may need a few extra items like glue, paint, scissors, staples, etc. You will probably be amazed at their creativity.

Some ideas of things to make include: masks, costumes, ornaments, treasure boxes, puppets, scrapbooks, name tags (gift tags); jewellery items; book covers, etc. For instance, plastic containers with lids can be decorated with old wrapping paper, cards, buttons, shells, etc., to make a keepsake box. Kids can make Christmas gift boxes out of old aluminum food containers, some glitter, cutouts from Christmas cards, colourful beads, etc.

It is important to teach kids about going green. Making a fun craft or game out of old items makes them see things in a new light. In a world of commercialism, kids often appreciate simpler activities where they need to use their imagination.