A new type of art festival is appearing in local cities across America. With titles such as “Scrapfest”, turning your trash and recyclables into pieces of art can save money, help save the environment, and maybe turn of a profit for the inspired artists. Going green is high on the priority list and finding ways to reuse our waste materials are getting more and more creative. There are houses completely constructed out of used rubber tires and beer tires that rival any modern architectural designs. Popular modern artists are also using old materials to create new artwork on display in galleries. Used Popsicle sticks create a full-sized man sculpture to a designer dress created from old newsprint can be found in the art scene. Children art camps are starting to offer classes entitled, “eco-aware” artistry. The students are taught how to reuse and make things like jewelry from old bottle caps or decorated pen holders from old cans.
Some easy do it yourself recycle projects include reusing your old milk containers to create a bird feeder for your yard, or why not take used colored bottles and hang them a tree for yard decoration; a bottle tree. Reuse old tires in your garden for retaining walls or pots. Or just get creative. Gather what recyclables you have and create a treasure for you to showcase at the next festival.