4 DIY New Year Crafts: A Safer & Greener Alternative to Fireworks

Our love-affair with fireworks started in the 7th century, thanks to the Chinese. Nothing says celebrate quite like pyrotechnics, with its noisy and colorful displays.

This year though, the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR), a Philippine government agency, is trying to set common areas for people to watch fireworks from, instead of having them light pyrotechnics inside or near their homes.

The DENR secretary, Ramon JP Paje, says that this can reduce pollution (not to mention the respiratory problems aggravated by firework smoke), accidents and death.

So for those who want a safer and greener New Year celebration for their kids, read on. Here are easy and simple crafts you can do with the kiddos to rival the noise and color of pyrotechnics, leaving out all its health and environmental hazards.

4 DIY New Year Crafts: Alternative to Fireworks

1. Water Bottle Noise Maker

Got a few plastic water bottles lying around? Turn them into cute noise makers for the kiddos to shake this New Year. It’s easy! Place pebbles or anything small inside empty plastic bottles. Seal the cap with glue then you’re off to giving the bottle a makeover using craft glue and colorful strips of paper.

Let TheGoGreenBlog.com give you a step-by-step guide on how to jazz up these bottles.

2. Firework Pom-Pom Sparklers

This was specifically created as a 4th of July celebration pom-pom. But who says it can’t be used to give 2012 a colorful welcome?

Use any colors you want. If you’re from the Philippines and are feeling patriotic this season, combine red, blue and yellow. Or better yet, let your kiddos choose the color combination to make things more interesting.

Want the pom-poms to compete with firework noise? Add small bells to the yarn so they can tinkle before year end.

Let Shauna from MyShaeNoel.Blogspot.com show you how easy this craft is to do.

3. Ballon Fireworks

If you think the kiddos will yearn for those popping sounds, fret not. This crafty idea will leave their ears ringing throughout midnight.

Place graffiti inside non-inflated balloons, pump air in and you’re almost done! All that’s left to do is to pop them on New Year and watch the graffiti scatter through the air.

Note: To avoid accidents, immediately retrieve any sharp objects used to pop balloons from children.

Head on to MarthaStewart.com if you want further instructions on this nifty idea.

4. New Year’s Eve Poppers

What is a year end celebration without party poppers? All you need are paper tubes, wrapping paper, curling ribbon, candy and confetti. Fill up the tubes with confetti and yummy sweets, wrap them and voila! Very simple and easy.

Click on the link so Marie from MakeAndTakes.com can show you how she makes these.

Stay safe this New Year!

Follow these 4 crafty ideas if you want your kiddos to experience the magical colors and loud noises of New Year, sans the dangers. Here’s a bonus: these creative DIY New Year’s crafts provide an opportunity for a fun family experience. Did I mention they cost a whole lot cheaper than buying fireworks?

Have other New Year crafts ideas worth mentioning? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Happy New Year!

Source:
Gov.ph – DENR chief proposes strict regulation of fireworks for the holidays
Photos:
Fireworks – Creative Commons from malfet_
Bottle – TheGoGreenBlog.com
Pom-Poms – MyShaeNoel.Blogspot.com
Balloons – Creative Commons from Chris Breeze
Poppers – MakeAndTakes.com