Recycled Christmas tree ornaments are an eco-friendly alternative to regular ornaments. Some retailers offer ornaments made from various recycled products, or they can easily be made at home by combining everyday household items.

If you're looking for craft ideas or a simple project to do with children, the recycled Christmas tree ornaments page includes ideas and inspiration. This page also links to places online with full instructions on how to make recycled ornaments as well as helpful demonstration videos.

Things that can be recycled into ornaments

• CDs or DVDs
• Light bulbs
• Scrap paper
• Pine cones
• Cardboard and Styrofoam
• Old holiday cards
• Packing peanuts

Glass balls are popular Christmas tree ornaments, but often end up worn and chipped after storage. It's fun and easy to recycle your old glass balls into new and unique ornaments:

1. Soak the balls in some bleach and hot water until the finish comes off.
2. Wash the bleach off with some soap and water, then rinse and dry the balls thoroughly.
3. Use paint to decorate the balls if desired.
4. Glue ribbon, fabric scraps, glitter, tissue paper or any other decorative items to the balls for further embellishment.

Create a chubby snowman Christmas tree ornament with an old light bulb. Turn the bulb upside down so that the globe part is on the bottom. Up towards the socket part, paint eyes and facial features (nose and mouth). Off to the sides you can paint on arms with craft paint. (Make the arms look like branches.) Make a matching scarf and hat out of an old baby sock. This can be hung on the tree with craft wire or pretty thread or yarn.http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/RECYCLE/Tree/tree.htm