Composting for Kids: An Easy Summer Craft Idea

If you're looking for summer craft ideas to keep the kids busy while they're home, EcoManiacs in La Grange has some great workshops that are fun and can educate them about the environment. 

The store, located at 74 S. La Grange Rd., carries organic, recycled merchandise, or things that are sustainable and fair trade or socially concious. The focus is on early childhood toys and books, but there's a lot for adults to, including clothing and candles.

It also offers workshops throughout the year, and this summer is in the middle of a series on the environment and how certain things impact it. The courses cover topics including landfills, alternative energy, water ecosystems and the rainforest. 

Workshops are $10 and are open to children between 5 and 12. They run for about 45 minutes on Thursdays. Check out EcoManiacs' calendar for more workshops. 

At each workshop, children create a craft using recycled items. A recent craft was composting, and even if your child didn't attend the workshop, it's an easy-to-make craft that can keep them busy at home this summer. 

"It's a great way for kids to see how things break down, or what happens if trash is put in and doesn't ," manager Becca Klinger said. 

Easy Steps to Compost 

1. Grab a plastic bottle, preferably a 2-liter, but any size will work. Cut it in half.
2. Put dirt in the bottle. 
3. Add layers of food scraps in between layers of dirt. Klinger said any fruits, vegetables, bread and more will work. 
4. Watch the magic happen!