Build a DIY Milk Carton Bird Feeder

Upcycling is for the birds! 

BY ANDREA KOEHLE JONESEcoParent Magazine, 08 APRIL, 2025

A milk carton is more than just a container for milk—especially for the birds! It’s surprising how many end up in landfills, but with a bit of resourcefulness and creativity, kids can turn them into something amazing in just minutes.

Time spent outdoors sparks a child’s creativity, nurtures their imagination, and provides a natural boost to their well-being that indoor environments simply can’t match. Making outdoor crafts with your kids, like creating bird feeders from recycled milk cartons, is a fun, hands-on way to inspire creativity and a deeper appreciation for the world around them. This can be achieved by:

  1. Teaching the importance of recycling and upcycling materials to reduce waste.
  2. Fostering creativity by encouraging kids to use their imaginations and problem-solving and design skills to help others—in this case birds.
  3. Encouraging environmental responsibility by teaching children to care for nature and develop curiosity and compassion for birds and their ecosystems.

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