Activity： Production of bookmark with recycled paper

Age Group​

Guides Section – 12- 18 years old

Time needed​

45-60 minutes

Learning Goal​

Members learn the method of paper recycling. They know more the importance of recycling work and how it can improve the environment. Members learn to cherish the resources and avoid wasting them.  

Instructions​

1. Tear the paper into small pieces and put into a blender with warm water. Blend until the mixture becomes a fairly smooth pulp.

2. Assemble your "mold"; attach your screen to your frame using duck tape, staples or any other method that will keep the screen affixed to the frame's edges.

3. Pour the pulp into your bin or pan, then sink the mold into the water mixture. Pull the mold up, and pulp should cover the screen. At this point, you can add decorations. You can even add seeds to make plantable paper. Be sure to add a little more pulp to cover the decorations so they adhere to the paper.

4. Use a cloth or sponge to press out excess water. Now you need to let the paper dry. You can let it dry on the screen, you can flip the mold over and let your paper dry on another surface, or you can press a cloth into the mold so the paper adheres to it and can dry on the cloth. Any of these options should work. Just be sure to let your paper dry for a day or so.

5. Place some dried flowers on the paper or draw on the paper for decoration. Cut the paper into a bookmark size.

Reference: http://earth911.com/living-well-being/events-entertainement/recycle-your-own-paper/

Which elements of the method are used, and how?​

☑ Learning in small groups - Members collect waste papers at home e.g. old magazines, newspaper etc. for recycling. They discuss what kind of papers are/are not suitable for recycling.

☑ My path, my pace – Members can add other materials when making the recycled papers, according to their own interests and needs.

☑ Learning by doing – Members learn to reuse and recycle the resources to make things in an inexpensive way. It is also environmentally friendly.

How does the method give youth members a chance to take the lead? Which leadership mindsets do youth members practice in the activity?

Members learn to find out the value of the unused items and convert them into useful resources. A leader should also be observant and has lots of ideas.

Leadership mindsets practiced in the activity:

• Creative & critical thinking mindset