Reusing Pencils & Crayons

    We all probably have hundreds of old crayons or eraser-less pencils around our houses.  My family uses, and reuses.  Rarely does anything go to waste in our family.  We recycle rubber bands, foil, plastic baggies, water bottles, and clothes.  Once our clothes get too old or worn to wear any longer, they are braided into dog toys or turned into rags.  Have you ever needed to dust something and you pull a sock out of the rag bag?  I have.  Way too many times to count.  :)

    If your pencil is still usable and only lacks an eraser, you can buy mini erasers to stick at the end or just get one, big rubber one.  Most of us have graduated in our family, but we still have those giant pink erasers from our childhood.  I am sure most of you can relate.

    Perhaps the easiest way to recycle your pencils is to pull off the rubber eraser (if you still have one) and then add the pencil to your compost pile.  The brass, tin, or metal rimming will oxidize and the graphite will be turned into carbon.

     Another way to recycle, is to add your pencils to fuel or as a starter for a campfire.

     As for crayons, you can re-melt them into different fun shapes and colors.  Collect your old crayons, peel them, put them in a can (this can be a soda can or a soup can, etc.), and fill an old pot with about an inch of water.  You can then place the wax filled can into the pot of water and heat it until the wax is melted.

     Pour the melted wax into candy molds or mini-muffin pans lined with foil.  (You can even try making your own candles, just buy scent and wicks).  Careful!  Wax will be hot.  Take your time to experiment will color, shape, and temperature.  Make it a fun learning experience.  Children will learn a lot about liquids, solids, temperature, and different combination of colors.

    Have fun and be creative.  :)