Let's prioritise sustainability this National Recycling Week. The Earth will thank you for it!
National Recycling Week (established by Planet Ark in 1996) is held annually during the second week of November, 11-17 November 2024. The week is dedicated to promoting the importance of recycling and waste reduction in our communities. Reducing our waste not only keeps valuable materials out of landfills but also benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The week aims to serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the environment and conserve resources through sustainable practices.
By raising awareness about the benefits of recycling, encouraging participation, and sharing innovative ideas, National Recycling Week empowers individuals and organisations alike to make a positive impact.
At Micador, we resolved to make a genuine commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our business. We introduced our green eARTh range in 2010 and changed our products to be sustainable. We now ensure all of our wood handle paint brushes, pencils and wooden rules are made from 100% FSC certified wood, and that all of our paper-based products and packaging are FSC certified.
We have markers that are made with solar power in Italy, contain 100% recyclable plastic and/or packaging, and are made with at least 15% recycled material. Check out our early stART Chunky Markers and Micador Colourfun Markers to name a few.
Some are made from 71% post-consumer recycled material, with cardboard packaging produced from 100% recycled material, like our Eco Whiteboard Markers.
Our exciting On the Go Activities Range is also part of our green eARTh collection, as well as our new Colour and Learn range.
How can you play your part? Here are some tips for simple ways to go green at home.
The great thing about art is that you can create amazing things with just about anything. You don’t need to buy new products every time you feel the creative urge!
Check your recycle bin
Everyday household items make for fantastic art materials, and letting kids hunt for treasures in the recycling bin is a fun way to engage them. Milk bottles, egg cartons, lids, boxes, and even toilet paper tubes can all be repurposed for crafts. Each online order can be seen as an opportunity to gather new supplies - cardboard serves as a great canvas, bubble wrap can be dipped in paint for stamping, and foam packing materials can become eyes or hair in creative projects.
Forage in the garden
Leaves, sticks, rocks, and pinecones are excellent, easy-to-find materials for art and crafts. Try “dot” painting with a stick dipped in paint or use a leaf as a stamp to create textured patterns. You can even paint a pinecone in rainbow colours! Let your imagination run wild - nature is full of inspiration.
Use kitchen items
Kitchen drawers hold many intriguing objects that can enhance your art projects! Use cookie cutters as stencils by colouring inside them, or dip a potato masher in paint to create unique stamps. Forks and whisks can also produce interesting fluid lines when used with paint.
Remember, it's never too early to adopt a better, more environmentally-friendly way of living.
For our full range of easy art and craft activities for kids of all ages and skill levels, visit the Ideas and Learning Hub.
