The 411 on Recycling Trees & Lights in PDX

by Annette BenedettiNovember 27, 2022

Sweep up those needles one last time! We’ve got your Portland tree-cycling options outlined here

Even though the season has come and gone, the spirit of gratitude and giving is still with us. So this year we’re taking the famous Marie Kondo’s approach to getting rid of our trees by first thanking it for the joy it brought us and then properly recycling it. Curious about Christmas tree recycling in Portland? Check out the four easiest ways to repurpose and recycle your tree along with pro-tips on Christmas tree recycling locally.

Portland Christmas Tree Recycling Ideas

Recycling Your Christmas Tree in Portland: Where to Start

If you are interested in recycling your Christmas tree in Portland, the following are four ways to get the job done.

1. Recycle it at home with your curbside or yard debris collection service.
2. Recycle it through a nonprofit.
3. Take it to a recycling center.
4. Repurpose it in your own backyard.

Pro Tree-cycle Tip: Prep your tree for recycling by stripping it of all ornaments and lights. Most trees are turned into wood chips, and these items may damage the chipping machine. If you have a flocked or artificially-colored tree, check our listings below, as not all recyclers accept these.

1. Curbside or Yard Debris Christmas Tree Collection Service

One of the easiest options for Christmas tree recycling is your area’s waste collection team on a regular pick-up day. Where you live depends on how to prep, where you can put it, and what they’ll take. Generally, trees that are cut up and fit completely inside the curbside compost roll cart are good to go. Whole trees can be placed next to the composting cart, however, there may be a charge. If a tree is over 6 feet, it must be cut in half. For details, call your local solid waste and recycling office. Flocked trees are not accepted for recycling curbside.

Insider Tip: Make sure to not overfill or stuff down the tree material.

Online: oregonmetro.gov

2. Find a Boy Scout Troop in the Area

For a small donation, Boy Scout Troop 150 (and others in your area) will collect Christmas trees and wreaths for recycling. You can also drop them off a the designated spot. Register your address, and number of trees, and make a donation at the link below. You’ll be doing something good for the planet and helping these scouts earn badges throughout the year.

Cost: Minimum donation $10-$15
Online: troop150.org

Portland Christmas Tree Recycling — iStock

3. Take It to a Recycling Center

Requirements may vary and fees may apply, and we found just the resources to help. Have questions about these options? Reach out to Portland Metro or search for recycling centers online. This site offers a recycle center name, distance from your entered location, and if they pick up and or drop off.

Online: oregonmetro.gov

4. Repurpose It in Your Backyard

If you’re not up for curbside or drop-off options, consider these intentional backyard alternatives. The American Forest Society has some great ideas for putting your tree to good use in your own yard, from a bird feeder to coasters.

Online: americanforests.org

How & Where to Recycle Christmas Lights

Ideas for Recycling Holiday Lights

Have a few strands of holiday lights that aren’t working? Or maybe you consolidated your working lights this year? There are different ways to get them off your hands in an environmentally friendly way.

Make someone else's Christmas bright next year by donating your lights to Goodwill or other donation centers.
String lights can be recycled for the copper inside them at your local recycling center (just make sure you don't put them in your home bin). Many centers, like Metro’s, will take them free of charge.
Hardware and home-improvement stores generally accept Christmas lights for recycling and even for coupons or other incentives. Bigger stores encourage donors to opt for LEDs by offering to take incandescent lights. Just swing by the customer service counter to learn more.

Online: oregonmetro.gov

Subscribe to Ridwell

Dedicated to reducing waste, the folks at Ridwell will pick up your holiday lights and recycle the electronic bits and the glass as well for those who subscribe to this additional Portland recycling service. Check out Ridwell for all sorts of other recycling needs that can help your family keep items out of the landfill.

Online: ridwell.com

Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

Be Cool: Your Guide to Winter Fun in NYC

by Mimi O'ConnorJanuary 10, 2022

Baby, it’s cold outside, but that shouldn’t stop you from having some fun in the great outdoors with the kids this winter. Need ideas? Check out our favorite winter activities in and around NYC, which will get you gliding and sliding right into the spring thaw. From winter hikes and skating rinks galore to hitting the slopes and breaking for the ultimate hot chocolate, here are the best things to do with kids this winter in NYC. (Need some tips on how to embrace the cold? This story on NYC Forest Schools in NYC can help!)

Snow Tubing

January is really when snow tubing gets going in the NYC area.

Click here for our favorite spots!

Hiking

Hit the trail—in NYC proper or upstate and beyond.

We recommend these spots for winter hikes with kids!

Ice Skating

There are all kinds of rinks in NYC, from iconic and crowded to lesser-known with a bit more room to glide.

Find your rink match here!

Skiing

Hit the slopes at one of our favorite NYC-area ski resorts!

Try Curling

You don't even have to leave the city to give this winter sport a try, which you can do in Midtown at Bryant Park's Curling Cafe & Bar. It's "iceless" curling (on faux ice) and your reservation includes a heated dining dome, food and drink (hot chocolate, chicken tenders, etc.), and a dedicated curling lane for 90 minutes of play.

Family Packages for on to four guests are $250 and $475 for five to eight guests.

Bryant Park
42nd Street and Sixth Avenue
Midtown
Online: bryantpark.org

Geocaching

Geocaches (little treasures hidden in public all around the world) are still there, even in the snow! Click here to read about how to start searching in NYC!

Sledding

The classic winter activity of slopes, a slippery surface and gravity.

Click here for all of our favorite NYC sledding hills!

Drink Some Hot Chocolate

When you're ready to warm up, try one of the best hot chocolates for kids in New York City!

Eat Some Fondue

And if you're hungry, why not indulge in the wonderful comforting cheesiness of fondue. These are our favorite spots for fondue with the family in NYC!

Get Outta Town

Hit the road and head to one of our favorite winter road trip destinations from NYC!

—Mimi O’Connor

feuture photo: iStock

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Pandemic Parenting: Toys, Gear & Games Our Editors Swear By

by Kate LowethAugust 16, 2020

The pandemic is here to stay (at least for a while), which means you’re looking for fresh ways to entertain your kids and spend time together. Use this as an opportunity to try something new. Our editors—all moms working at home with their families—dish on their favorite toys, gear and games that have gotten them through even the toughest of days. From gear to get the kids stargazing to products that will turn you into a DIY popsicle superstar, read on for new ideas and products your kids will flip for.

Kelty Mesh Low-Loveseat

mom watching kids playing in a creek at campground — Kelty

Our Bay Area Editor, Kate Loweth, loves this loveseat-style camping chair for beach days, lake days, backyard camping and all the summer fun. It's low enough to bring to use at backyard movie nights and the mesh bottom is perfect for when you want to park yourself in the creek all day (like her family did at their recent glamping vacay at Wildhaven Sonoma).

Get yours here, $107.53.

Get more recommendations from Kate here.

Fancy Sidewalk Chalk & Painter's Tape

Our Atlanta Editor, Shelley Massey, is nuts for sidewalk chalk. Chalk is cool, but donut chalk is epic. And when you're heading out to your driveway for the 1,000th time, nothing will pump them up more than some fancy chalk and a roll of painter's tape, which is guaranteed to amp up the creativity factor. For inspiration on what to do with all that chalk, check out our favorite ways to have fun with sidewalk chalk, here.

Available for $14.95 on Amazon.

Get more recommendations from Shelley here.

DIY Paracord Bracelets

Chicago Editor Maria Chambers has older kids and this was the perfect way to keep them entertained on socially-distanced meet-ups with friends. When they were knee-deep in quarantine and most things were closed, she and her kids learned how to make paracord bracelets. Her daughter now wears hers every day. It was a fun project and also interesting to learn all the uses for the bracelets when used by soldiers and hunters.

If you're interested in making bracelets for soldiers as a family community service project, find the details on where to send and how they're used here.

Buy your colorful paracord here, a kit is $30.49. If you're looking for colors appropriate to donate to soldiers, buy the kit here, for $14.49.

Get more of Maria's recommendations here.

Spooner Boards Freestyle

Our LA Editor, Shannan Rouss, had this super-rad recommendation that will get your kids active. Her son became obsessed with surfing after he saw a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode about it. Or maybe it was Lilo & Stitch that sold him on the idea. Regardless, he's only 4, so he's not ready for surfing lessons (plus physical distancing and all). So instead, he "land surfs" on the Spooner Board Freestyle. It took him a few attempts to get the hang of it, but he's mastered a 180 spin and is working on his 360.

Shop now for a Spooner Board Freestyle, $44.

Get more recommendations from Shannan here.

MaxUSee 70mm Refractor Telescope with Tripod & Finder Scope

NYC Editor Mimi O'Connor had this fun idea for getting kids interested in stargazing. Her daughter got this telescope as a birthday present. This was inspired by recent stargazing activity and bought with the hope of using it when they headed upstate for a bit later in the summer. (They use the free app SkyView Lite for help finding constellations in the city.) It's a nice combo of not too complicated, but with enough features to be a level up from basic.

Get yours here, $61.99.

Get more of Mimi's recommendations here.

4 Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter

This sun shelter tent is one of Portland Editor Annette Benedetti's favorite pieces of outdoor equipment. It comes in handy whether her family is relaxing at a park, hanging out on one of their local beaches, or having a picnic in their front yard. It's easy to put together and keep mom and dad sheltered from the elements while they watch their kiddos play.

You can buy it here for $69.99.

See all of Annette's faves here.

gofindit - Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt Card Game for Families

Our San Diego Editor, Beth Shea, recommends this fun card game to entice the kids to get off devices and get outside. It's designed for ages 3+ but it's engaging for people of all ages. The cards ask you to find specific item descriptions on your jaunt such as: "furry," "wow," "small," and "thin." You could even use it on road trips and anytime you leave the house to up the ante on any excursion.

Get yours here, $12.50.

Get all of Beth's recommendations here.

Tovolo Ice Pop Molds

Seattle Editor Allison Sutcliffe recommends this item to get you through those hot, hot months of summer. With the warmer-than-usual weather Seattle's been having, her kids have been downing homemade popsicles by the dozen to cool off. She's gotten a ton of mileage out of these BPA-free molds. The fact that she gets to control what goes into them . . .added bonus!

Get yours here, $11.99.

Find all of Allison's favorite things here.

The Nature Anywhere Window

Our DC Editor, Meghan Meyers, loves this pick for bringing a little bit of nature inside. The Nature Anywhere Window lets you turn any room of your house into a wildlife observatory. Simply wet the suction cups and slap this bird feeder onto any glass surface; voila, instant home viewing! It took the birds in her hood a few days to feel comfortable eating at eye level, but they soon learned that her family was harmless. They even got two different bird nests in their backyard!

Buy yours here, $28.90.

Find all of Meghan's recs here.

—Kate Loweth

Featured photo: iStock

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Bird Feeders Kids Can Make at Home (They Really Work!)

by Oz SpiesJune 7, 2020

Looking for a fun hands-on activity that keeps giving? Consider making a bird feeder or two. Not only are they easy for kids to make, but it’s a low-cost project that will keep them busy. Even better, adding a bird feeder to your backyard is a great way for kids to connect with nature and develop a new hobby to fill long summer days. Break out the binoculars, future bird watchers, and consider whether a classic pine cone feeder or a recycled version made with paper and plastic is the right fit for you. We’ve got bird feeder plans for them all.

Toilet Paper Tube Bird Feeder

These DIY toilet paper tube bird feeders will add a bright, happy touch to any backyard. Rescue a few toilet paper tubes from the recycling bin, add crepe paper for a festive touch, and you'll be ready to make your own in no time. Fly over to Creative Jewish Mom for step-by-step instructions.

Sunflower Bird Feeder

Snugglebug University dreamed up this sunflower-inspired bird feeder for a kids' art group—and we think it's a perfect DIY project for long summer days. The centerpiece for this clever design is a paper plate holder. Just add birdseed, nut butter and a few other materials, and you'll be ready to make your own eye-catching bird feeder in no time. Find out how at Snugglebug University.

Pine Cone Feeder

The crafty chickadee over at MADE Everyday took the lead making this delicious craft. All you’ll need is a few pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed, string and about five minutes. Check out the how-to here, and use the leftover peanut butter to make your hungry birds a tasty treat.

Bird Feeder Kit in a Box

If you want to make a bird feeder with your kids but don't have the energy to put together another craft project, you can order a ready-made kit with all the supplies you'll need to make two bird feeders. Dirt and Dazzle offers ready-to-ship DIY bird feeder boxes ($15) with wooden ornaments, birdseed, craft sticks and peanut butter. Bonus: these boxes make a great gift for nature-loving kids and future Audubon Society members.

Milk Carton Bird House/Feeder

The art teacher behind Art Bar Blog came up with this easy upcycle idea for transforming an empty milk carton into a vibrant birdhouse. Utilizing the carton’s house-like shape, she added a small hole and then had her students decorate using their favorite paint colors. You’ll find a list of materials and instructions here.

Wood Birdhouse Kit

Keep budding woodworkers busy with this DIY wood birdhouse kit. Available from Etsy shop DJA Woodworks ($20), these sturdy wooden kits come ready to assemble. Your kid can paint the rainbow birdhouse of her dreams, then put it outside for her feathered friends. Add a few sunflower seeds, and hungry birds will move right in.

Recycled Tin Can

This recycled craft by Handmade by Kelly adds a pop of color to any backyard. The bird won’t be able to resist stopping for a snack at this vibrant feeder. Choose your favorite hues of duct tape and head over to Momtastic to learn how to make your own.

Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder

Be sure to save the sticks from your favorite frozen treats this summer, because this popsicle stick bird feeder is super simple to make, and lots of fun to decorate. Head over to Create-Celebrate-Explore for instructions.

Soda Bottle Bird Feeder

The vibrant colors of this recycled bird feeder really pop against the tree’s green leaves. Made using an empty soda bottle, and assorted hues of tissue paper, you’ll find a full list of materials and the step-by-step instructions over at Artzy Creations.

LEGO Bird Feeder

Your budding builder will love tackling this fun outdoor craft. When it comes to making your own version of this LEGO feeder, the experts over at Project FeederWatch advise adding drain holes, cleaning regularly and storing in a sheltered location. Visit their site for help identifying and feeding the birds in your neck of the woods.

Cookie Cutter Shape Bird Feeder

These peck-worthy ornaments were created by the crafty duo behind Eighteen25. Choose your favorite cookie cutter shapes, and head over to the blog for a list of ingredients and the tutorial.

Buttoned-Up Bird House

These decorative birdhouses from Sew Country Chick are cute as a button. A little paint and an assortment of buttons are all you’ll need to add a little flair to any ordinary wooden birdhouse. Fly over to Mod Podge Rocks for the how-to.

Citrus Feeder

Planning to make a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice or refreshing lemonade? Then be sure to save the rinds for this colorful craft from Handmade by Kelly. These sweet bird feeders are easy to make using the rinds of your favorite citrus. Find the instructions over at Mother Nature Network.

Egg Carton Feeder

This eco-friendly bird feeder is perfect for serving the flock of feathered friends visiting your backyard this season. Head over to The Creative Cubby to learn to make this easy, recycled craft.

—Oz Spies with Lauren Hill

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Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift & Activity Ideas

by Karly WoodMay 8, 2020

Mother’s Day is this weekend! If you’ve found yourself on the homestretch without a gift in hand, then you’ll want to keep reading. From homemade cards and artistic activities to buildable bouquets, these last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas will save the day.

Make a DIY Mother's Day Card

If you want to make Mother’s Day extra memorable, you can’t go wrong with a homemade card! Since we know moms go gaga for all things heartfelt and handmade, we’ve rounded up the easiest, cutest DIY cards that kids can whip up themselves. Click here for 22 ideas that are sure to make Mom smile.

Build a Bouquet That Lasts a Lifetime

Brought to you by a Master Model Builder, Tim Sams shows kids the how-to on building a flower for Mother’s Day! Kids will use LEGO bricks and can can be combined with other LEGO flowers. No need to add water, this bouquet will last for years to come. Head over the the LEGOLAND website to get the tutorial on this Mother's Day activity, and be sure to check out the rest of the Building Challenge website, too!

Whip Up Some Mother's Day DIY Projects

Looking for some fun Mother's Day crafts and activities? Juicy Juice has crafted plenty, including how to make Mother’s Day flowers and a Mother’s Day memory box, seed bundles, coloring worksheet and a DIY bird feeder.

Grab Free Coupons from Disney

As part of its ongoing initiative to help families create Magic Moments at home, Disney is also sharing new activities––and a special Mother’s Day one you won’t want to miss. shopDisney’s Magic Moments Activities page is offeringf a new Disney Coupons download! The freebie includes 10 unique coupons featuring your favorite Disney characters, like Olaf, Belle and Mickey Mouse. You can find all the details here.

Send a Mother's Day Secret Message

Create your Mother’s Day card by printing out and filling in our template, or use the step by step instructions to design your own! Check out how to set up your own card here.

Create a Mother's Day Paper Crafts

It’s the perfect time to help your kiddos make a craft to show Mom how much they love her. We’ve rounded up a list of easy paper crafts that kids can make themselves, from tissue paper flowers to patterned notebooks.

––Karly Wood

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Easy Craft Projects with 5 Supplies or Less

by Melissa HeckscherApril 22, 2020

So you want to do a craft project with your kids but you don’t have the dozen or so things needed to make something amazing? Don’t be intimidated by a materials list! From edible necklaces to easy bird-feeders, here are our five-ingredient-or-fewer faves.

Cheerio Necklaces

Depending on how hungry she is, your little jewelry-maker will probably want to make a few of these necklaces that require only Cheerios (or any O-shaped cereal) and string to create. Just thread your string through the "O" until you're ready to tie it up and put it on. Hint: These are great projects to do at the table when kids are waiting for a meal.

Materials: "O"-shaped cereal, string.

Tic Tac Toe Rocks

Sticks and stones may break your bones—but they make great craft materials! A little paint and a bit of nature's own ingredients and your kids can make a tic tac toe board worthy of your coffee table. Crafty moms Jodie and Jen of Eighteen25 will tell you how.

Materials: Rocks, four wood square dowels (or plain old sticks, if you want a more rustic look), paint, paintbrush.

Straw Rockets

Note to self: Keep a few of these super-cool straw rockets in your purse for the next restaurant outing with the kids. Better yet, tote the simple four ingredients in your bag and let your kids put together (and launch) this craft while they’re waiting for their meals. The other diners will thank you… until a paper rocket lands in their wine glass. Get the instructions from Mama Leslie at Pink Stripey Socks.

Materials: Paper, markers, straw, tape.

DIY Harmonica

Why buy a cheap, plastic harmonica when your tiny tinkerers can make their own with a few easy steps and just four ingredients. Get the instructions from self-proclaimed "reinventor" Maya at mayamade.blogspot.com.

Materials: Rubber bands, popsicle sticks, paper, tape.

Paper Plate Frisbee

Would your kid rather play outside than do arts and crafts at the table? This easy paper craft will giver her a little of both. Get the simple instructions from blogging mother-of-four Amanda Formaro at Crafts By Amanda.

Materials: Paper plates, markers, tape, scissors.

Clothespin Dragonflies

Pipe cleaners and clothespins are the main ingredients for these colorful clip-on dragonflies. A few easy steps and your kids will be clipping these adorable winged creatures all over your house. Mama Michelle has the details on her blog, Crafty Morning.

Materials: Clothespins, pipe cleaners, googley eyes, paint, glue.

Bowtie Bookmark

Want to make something that will inspire your child's reading and her creativity? Bowtie pasta has never looked cuter than in this easy DIY bookmark. Get the scoop from the Mod Podge gurus at Mod Podge Rocks.

Materials: Laminated cardstock, bowtie pasta, glitter, Mod Podge gloss, glue gun.

Egg Carton Bird Feeder

Next time you're about to toss an empty egg carton into the trash or recycling bin, stop and read Creative Cubby's easy instructions on how to make an egg carton bird feeder. Your feathered friends will thank you and you'll teach your kids a good lesson on repurposing everyday items.

Want more bird-feeding ideas? Checkout our post on 12 Backyard Bird Feeders that Rock the Treetops.

Materials: Egg carton, string, glue, scissors, bird seed.

DIY Cork Boat

Remember those mystifying ship-in-a-bottle creations? Handmade Charlotte gives our fascination a little twist with a cork sailboat project. Watch it become nifty house decor after you put the ship in a jar filled with water and pebbles, or let it travel the harsh waves of bathtime. Find out how to make your kids captain of this craft here.

Materials: Corks, thread, cardboard, toothpicks

Balloon Bracelets

Don't throw those popped balloon remains away! Artsy and creative mom Michelle has the secret to turning those frowns upside down with a balloon bracelet. Get ready to string popped or new balloons into wearable happiness. Note: With completely shattered balloons, snip and save the stems and necks for a different style.

Materials: Balloons, tape, elastic bands

“3D” Paper Neighborhoods

Handsy tots will love watching their imaginative efforts “pop” into the third dimension. Snip magazine scraps and colored papers into houses, streets and skyscrapers. To see how to make this city come to life, head over to Mrs. Picasso’s Art Room!

Materials: Scissors, paper (from plain to magazine scraps), glue, stapler (optional)

Nature Printing

Reprint nature with stamps from Mother Earth herself! Scavenge your backyard for tiny pine cones, ferns, and flowers (last two need to be dried for stiffness) and experiment with ink. Emily Neuburger encouraged her kids to roll, press and smudge their creativity out. The final product? Lovely wrapping paper, framed art or even gift cards.

Materials: Craft paint, ink pads, dried rose buds, pine cones (almost anything can be used as a stamp)

Toilet Roll Characters

Fold in the edges of paper rolls and what form do you see? Do those points make an the ear of a cat? Or maybe there's a wild rumpus ready to start! That’s exactly what Katie from Matsutake and her little assistant saw, and with some paint, they brought a Wild Thing to life. Check out her blog to see what other creatures she was inspired to create.

Materials: Paper rolls (toilet, wrapping paper, paper towels, etc.) paint, markers

— Christal Yuen & Melissa Heckscher

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12 Benefits of Upcycling for Parents

by Gabby CullenFebruary 4, 2020

Taking care of our planet is the job of everyone, and that’s why we are totally on board when it comes up upcycling. From reusing old clothing and plastic bottles, to saving money and serving as a role model, there are plenty of upcycle ideas that benefit parents. Keep reading to see our top 12 reasons why everyone benefits from a little repurposing.

You can express yourself creatively.

Whether you love a swipe of a paintbrush, feel handy with a hacksaw or just enjoy a little blood, sweat and tears, upcycling can bring about a huge sense of accomplishment and joy when you express yourself creatively. When you want to feel full of purpose outside the role of being a parent, upcycling projects can help put your mind to good use, all while saving the planet at the same time.

You're being a great role model.

Taking care of our planet starts with us, and our little ones will follow suit. Recycling, being mindful of food waste and only buying what's necessary are all ways to show our kiddos how to take care of our resources.

It’ll keep you out of the art supply store.

If your kid goes through art supplies like she's on fire, using materials you might otherwise throw out helps keep costs down (think: corks as stamps, toothbrushes as paintbrushes and TP rolls for just about anything).

You’ll be able to explain the “junk” in the garage.

“Oh that? No, it’s not an old rusty wagon without wheels or a bottom; it’s an upcycling project in progress.” Basically, your hoarding habit just went way up on the coolness scale.

Those tiny concert tees bought pre-kid take on a whole new meaning.

Don’t give up on your tiny tees. Make them into an uber-cool tote, instead. You’ll be the hippest mom at the farmers market.

Kermit would approve.

It's not easy being green. Do you ever wonder how much recycling actually gets... recycled? Repurpose stuff headed for the bin and you won't have to hope it ends up in the right place.

It’s a great way to get rid of the plastic bags under the sink.

Maybe, one day you’ll remember to drop all those bags in the recycling container at the store. Or, you could just use them in an awesome upcycling project. Gorgeous mini planters, anyone?

It forces kids to think outside of the box.

Give kiddos different and new materials; wait and see what happens. In a flash, cereal boxes, paper towel rolls and old jeans might become a miniature city complete with roads and cars. There’s no end to the creativity!

Empty wine bottles look nicer as candle votives.

Or a chandelier, or a vase, or even a bird feeder. There are tons of creative uses for those bottles (besides pouring a second glass), so drink up! Psst! Save the corks for reason #2.

Your home will have history.

Whether you use old crib bumpers to make a quilt for your first born’s big girl bed, or if the dining room table was made from the scrap wood from your grandfather’s barn—it’s a story you’ll share for years.

You’ll save major cash.

Need building blocks on the quick? Skip Target and try juice cartons filled with sand as an alternative. Want to give the play room an update? Make pillow cushions out of old pajamas. Upcycle, and save cash—plain and simple.

You’ll be the cool parent on trend.

You’ve giggled with other parents about your neighbor and his upcycled messenger back (gum wrappers, seriously?) but the movement is going mainstream—so why not lead the eco-friendly, playground pack?

—Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood

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Today Is Easter Sunday

by rtstephenJanuary 27, 2016

Daily

Presented by:

Today Is Easter Sunday

Egg-cellent!

Get that pot on to boil because we’ve got more than a dozen ways to decorate eggs without a drop of dye.

You’ve amassed a pile of plastic eggs but now what? Turn them into a bird feeder, chic candle holder and more with
our guide to upcycling your stash.

Get the kiddos egg-cited over these 8 egg-cellent recipes
waiting for you to crack.

{ Gimbal’s Fine Candies makes gourmet candies for everyone, every day.
From old-time favorites to fun and innovative new candies, everything
they create is made with pride in the USA. }

Sweep up those needles one last time! We’ve got your Portland tree-cycling options outlined here

Portland Christmas Tree Recycling Ideas

Recycling Your Christmas Tree in Portland: Where to Start

1. Curbside or Yard Debris Christmas Tree Collection Service

2. Find a Boy Scout Troop in the Area

3. Take It to a Recycling Center

4. Repurpose It in Your Backyard

How & Where to Recycle Christmas Lights

Ideas for Recycling Holiday Lights

Subscribe to Ridwell

Related reads

Snow Tubing

Hiking

Ice Skating

Skiing

Try Curling

Geocaching

Sledding

Drink Some Hot Chocolate

Eat Some Fondue

Get Outta Town

Related reads

Kelty Mesh Low-Loveseat

Fancy Sidewalk Chalk & Painter's Tape

DIY Paracord Bracelets

Spooner Boards Freestyle

MaxUSee 70mm Refractor Telescope with Tripod & Finder Scope

4 Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter

gofindit - Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt Card Game for Families

Tovolo Ice Pop Molds

The Nature Anywhere Window

Related reads

Toilet Paper Tube Bird Feeder

Sunflower Bird Feeder

Pine Cone Feeder

Bird Feeder Kit in a Box

Milk Carton Bird House/Feeder

Wood Birdhouse Kit

Recycled Tin Can

Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder

Soda Bottle Bird Feeder

LEGO Bird Feeder

Cookie Cutter Shape Bird Feeder

Buttoned-Up Bird House

Citrus Feeder

Egg Carton Feeder

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Make a DIY Mother's Day Card

Build a Bouquet That Lasts a Lifetime

Whip Up Some Mother's Day DIY Projects

Grab Free Coupons from Disney

Send a Mother's Day Secret Message

Create a Mother's Day Paper Crafts

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Cheerio Necklaces

Tic Tac Toe Rocks

Straw Rockets

DIY Harmonica

Paper Plate Frisbee

Clothespin Dragonflies

Bowtie Bookmark

Egg Carton Bird Feeder

DIY Cork Boat

Balloon Bracelets

“3D” Paper Neighborhoods

Nature Printing

Toilet Roll Characters

Related reads

You can express yourself creatively.

You're being a great role model.

It’ll keep you out of the art supply store.

You’ll be able to explain the “junk” in the garage.

Those tiny concert tees bought pre-kid take on a whole new meaning.

Kermit would approve.

It’s a great way to get rid of the plastic bags under the sink.

It forces kids to think outside of the box.

Empty wine bottles look nicer as candle votives.

Your home will have history.

You’ll save major cash.

You’ll be the cool parent on trend.