Sustainable + Natural Materials

At Growing Green, we incorporate  materials and activities that promote environmental awareness, conservation, and responsible use of resources. Here are some materials and ideas you might consider:

​Natural Materials

• Wooden Toys: Durable and biodegradable, they offer a great alternative to plastic toys.
• Rocks and Stones: Useful for counting, sorting, and building activities.
• Leaves and Twigs: Perfect for art projects and sensory exploration.
• Seeds and Plants: Encourage planting and gardening activities to teach about plant life cycles.

Loose Parts
Loose parts play is a concept that emphasizes the use of open-ended materials that can be manipulated and combined in various ways, promoting creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative play. When it comes to nature, there are numerous loose parts that children can use to enhance their play experiences and can be found in a multitude of settings.

• Stones and Pebbles: Children can use stones for building structures, creating paths, or as part of imaginative play.
• Sticks and Twigs: Versatile for building, drawing in the dirt, pretending they are tools, or incorporating them into artistic creations.
• Leaves and Petals: Ideal for crafting, building, or even arranging in patterns. They can also be used for pretend play, like making pretend meals.
• Pinecones: Great for stacking, rolling, or using as natural building blocks. They can also be painted or decorated for added creativity.
• Acorns/Nuts: Small nuts can be used in various ways, such as counting, sorting, or incorporated into STEAM-based play.
• Shells: Perfect for creating patterns, building, or even using in water play. They also make great natural containers, whistles, and wind chimes.
• Seed Pods: Various seed pods can be fascinating loose parts, offering unique shapes and textures for exploration and creative play.
• Bark and Tree Discs ("Wood Cookies"): These can be used as canvases for drawing or painting, stacked for building, or even as actual cookies.
• Mud and Clay: While not a specific "part," mud and clay offer a sensory and creative experience for sculpting, molding, and building.
• Feathers: Lightweight and colorful, feathers can be used for art projects, added to pretend play costumes, or even incorporated into building activities.

Recycled and Reused Materials

• Cardboard Boxes: Can be transformed into creative play structures or art canvases.
• Plastic Bottles and Containers: Great for crafts or science experiments.
• Old Newspapers and Magazines: Useful for collage and paper-mâché projects.
• Fabric Scraps: Perfect for sewing, weaving, or creating patchwork art.

Educational Resources

• Books on Sustainability: Stories that teach about nature, conservation, and the environment.
• Games and Puzzles: Focused on topics like recycling, renewable energy, and ecosystems.

Because Glitter Doesn’t Grow on Trees
Nature has the best loose parts, and no, they don’t come wrapped in plastic! Sticks, stones, seed pods + pinecones aren’t just beautiful, they’re biodegradable, open-ended + full of possibilities.

Using sustainable + natural materials helps children connect with the world around them while keeping the planet in mind.

Let’s trade the googly eyes + foam shapes for treasures that came from the earth + can return to it and no landfill required.

​​Why Go Natural? Because Plastic Isn't Fantastic 

Choosing natural materials isn’t just a trend ... it’s a lifestyle upgrade for both kids and the planet. Plus its beautiful. When children explore sticks, stones, seed pods, and leaves, they engage all their senses, learning textures, smells, and even sounds that plastic can’t mimic. These materials invite open-ended play, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and a connection to the environment that screens and synthetic toys just can’t offer.

Plus, natural materials are eco-friendly superheroes. They break down gracefully, enriching the soil instead of cluttering landfills or oceans. Unlike that stubborn plastic toy that lasts forever (whether you want it to or not), pinecones and shells go back to where they belong ... Mother Earth.

Using sustainable materials also teaches an important lesson about impermanence and respect. Every twig and leaf is unique, reminding kids that nature is full of surprises and changes, just like life. This appreciation helps build empathy for the environment and a sense of stewardship from an early age.

Next time you gather materials for play or learning, skip the plastic aisle. Venture outside, explore a park, or peek in your backyard, nature is open 24/7, always fresh, and infinitely inspiring. Your little ones (and the planet) will thank you!

But remember: Forage responsibly! Always take only what you need, avoid disturbing habitats, and respect local guidelines to keep nature thriving for everyone to enjoy.

Materials Matter!

WHAT WE OFFER CHILDREN SHAPES HOW THEY SEE THE WORLD

The textures, colors, and origins of the materials we offer send powerful messages. Natural and sustainable materials connect children to the Earth, inviting them to slow down, notice details, and explore with intention. Choosing wood over plastic or found items over manufactured ones fosters creativity, respect, and a sense of belonging in the natural world.

Sourcing Materials

​Here are some ideas for sourcing materials:

Natural Materials

• Local Parks and Forests: Organize field trips to collect rocks, stones, leaves, and twigs. Forage responsibly by only taking what you need and ensuring that you don’t disturb the natural environment. Be sure to check local park rules and regulations, some protected areas have restrictions on collecting natural items to preserve habitats and biodiversity.
• Community Gardens: Partner with local gardens to gather seeds and plants for your classroom activities.
• Farmers' Markets: Source organic and seasonal plants and seeds directly from local farmers.

Recycled and Reused Materials

• Ask Families: Encourage families to donate items like cardboard, plastic bottles, newspapers, and fabric scraps they no longer need.
• Thrift Stores and Donation Centers: Look for second-hand items that can be repurposed for classroom use.
• Community Drives: Organize collection drives to gather materials from local businesses and community members.
• Craft Supply Swaps: Set up events where families can exchange unused craft materials.
• Scrap Yards and Garage Sales: Explore these places for unique items that can be repurposed creatively.
• Hardware Stores for Scraps: Request leftover materials like wood or metal scraps for projects.
• Trash Bins: Recycle clean and safe items that can be transformed into art or functional pieces.

​Educational Resources

• Library Partnerships: Work with local libraries to access books and educational games on sustainability.
• Digital Resources: Use online platforms for free e-books and games focused on environmental education.
• Local Businesses and Organizations: Reach out to hardware stores or gardening centers for donations or discounts on child-sized gardening tools and compost bins.
• Community Workshops: Participate in local workshops that teach about composting and provide materials at reduced costs.

Activities and Projects

• Collaborate with Environmental Organizations: Partner with groups that focus on sustainability for workshops and resources.
• School Fundraisers: Organize events to raise funds for purchasing sustainable materials.
• Grants and Sponsorships: Apply for grants from environmental foundations that support educational projects.

Mindful Practices

• Be Mindful of Impact: Opt for projects that use recycled, upcycled, sustainable, or natural materials that are responsibly foraged.
• Celebrate with Intention: Choose activities that honor and preserve our planet's resources, avoiding projects that strip them. Skip printed worksheets and paper-based art projects that require purchasing new materials.
• Involve Families: Encourage families to participate in sourcing and collecting materials. This can be a great way to get everyone involved and raise awareness.

Teaching Moments

• Intentional Education: Use the choice of materials as an opportunity to educate children on why sustainable materials are important. Discuss the impact of their use and the benefits of preserving our planet's resources.

Choose Less. Use Longer. Think Differently. 

A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO CLASSROOM RESOURCES

Sustainability starts with mindful choices. Rather than over-consuming, we seek to reuse, repurpose, and source responsibly. From baskets and fabric scraps to rocks, shells, and reclaimed wood, these materials not only reduce waste but also enrich learning. When children create and play with objects that carry a story or a past, their experiences become deeper, more meaningful, and more connected to real life.

Use "Real" Tools + Equipment

​Skip the plastic and play tools! At first glance, it might seem counterintuitive to hand over "grown-up" tools to preschoolers, but here's the scoop: Real tools like hammers, screws, nails, beakers, microscopes, and magnifying glasses aren't just playthings. They're gateways to a world of discovery and empowerment! 

Here's why:

• Hands-On Learning: Real tools like hammers, screws, and microscopes develop fine motor skills and coordination, providing a solid foundation for future learning. Unlike plastic toys, they offer tactile feedback and require precise manipulation.
• Problem-Solving: Tools challenge preschoolers to think critically and creatively. Figuring out how to use carpentry tools or analyzing specimens under a microscope builds confidence and resilience as children tackle new and unfamiliar tasks.
• Scientific Inquiry: Using scientific tools sparks curiosity and teaches the scientific method. Observing insects with magnifying glasses or conducting simple experiments fosters a natural inclination towards exploration and a lifelong love of learning.
• Safety First: With proper supervision, children learn to handle tools responsibly. Teaching safety and respect for tools prioritizes physical safety and cultivates responsibility and mindfulness in their actions.

Embracing real tools for exploration in preschoolers' learning experiences provides invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning, problem-solving, scientific inquiry, and safety awareness. These experiences help children develop essential skills and foster a lifelong love of learning and exploration. So, don't shy away from real tools ... embrace them!

Real Tools, Real Capabilities

TRUSTING CHILDREN AS CAPABLE HUMAN BEINGS

Children are curious, skilled, and ready to learn with authentic materials. Offering real tools (not plastic imitations) empowers them to develop confidence, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. When we respect their capabilities and provide safe, age-appropriate tools, children rise to the challenge, fostering independence and a deep sense of accomplishment. Because kids can do more than we often give them credit for!