EarthOne: Planet‑Love Meets Science
Hey, eco‑warriors! AsiaOne’s new EarthOne is hopping onto the scene, spotlighting everything from climate hacks to green tech. Think of it as your one‑stop home for sustainable gossip. Why it matters? Because when we love the planet, science isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the playbook. Dive in for articles that keep the Earth in focus whilst keeping the facts fresh and fascinating.
What You’ll Crave
- Eco‑Tips: Quick fixes for everyday life—reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Tech that Saves: From solar chargers to smart thermostats.
- Wildlife Wonders: Stories that bring the planet’s quirky creatures to life.
Head over to the site; it’s a treasure trove of planet‑positive content. Trust us—your future “green” self will thank you.
Toddler Tech Takedown: Why Phones and Remotes Are the New Toy
Let’s face it: toddlers are obsessed with the shiny stuff adults have, especially smartphones and remote controls. If you’ve ever stood there with a watchful eye, you’ll nod knowingly—kids think a shiny object is the ultimate toy.
My Toddler Break‑Free Plan
To break the cycle, I handed my twin nephews their very own hand‑held console (yes, I’m a little rebellious, but hear me out). The plan included:
- Digital Freedom: 2X iPad mini for endless scrolling.
- Gadget Swap: A simple switch, a night light, and a cup of ping‑pong balls.
- Peace Value: 15 minutes of calm per twist of the switch.
Result? 15 minutes of serenity for both her parents and the nephew’s newfound ‘technological’ bliss. Pretty fly, right?
Quick Parent Hacks
- Swap your own gadgets with safe, kid‑friendly alternatives.
- Use night lights—kids love them, and you’re off the hook for bedtime tantrums.
- Create a “break‑time” rule: whenever the switch lights up, everyone hits pause.
Bottom line: A clever mix of the right toy and the right tech can save your sanity—and maybe even your love for your phone control.
<img alt="" data-caption="Bright-coloured balls are great for this project. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Lynette Phua” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”1e0cc440-dba4-4814-b041-d83fd6f8791f” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/greenhome_recycling_10.jpg”/>
Ever Wondered How to Turn Random Household Bits Into a Kid‑Friendly Wonderland?
Spill the beans: I grabbed every piece I mentioned earlier, scoured the back of my pantry for a handful of reusable coffee pod cartons, a slim kitchen‑towel roll, a wardrobe of old ribbons and twine from last year’s parties, and slapped them all onto a sturdy board. Bam! Instant busy board.
Why All the Fuss About This Grossly Fun “Toy”?
- Fine motor fun: Push, tug, click, and your little ones develop those tiny wrist bones like champ athletes.
- Brain boost: Each click or slide is a logic puzzle in disguise—who knew a plastic strap could sharpen reasoning skills?
- Explore mode activated: The board turns playtime into a treasure hunt where curiosity wins the day.
So next time you’re rummaging through the storage cabinets, remember: a little creativity and some reassigned junk can translate into a prized sensory playground for the kids. Happy crafting!
<img alt="" data-caption="The DIY busy board I created with mostly recycled items. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Lynette Phua” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”90d6f216-045c-4dc8-8097-714acaea0d9b” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/greenhome_recycling_2.jpg”/>
Saving money while saving the earth
Busy Boards: The Costly Craze
Picture this: busy boards appear as common as coffee mugs in the breakroom, but when you actually check the big online store, the price tag can make your wallet do a little leap.
What the Numbers Say
- Typical Price: A plain‑spoken single board will set you back over $80.
- Why It Matters: That’s the kind of money that feels like buying a tiny apartment for your teenager.
- DIY or Buy?: Even home‑made boards cost roughly the same, so that DIY hustle won’t win you a bargain.
Bottom line: if you’re looking to add a nifty busy board to your space, brace yourself for a pricey surprise – it’s a wild cost adventure in the world of kid‑friendly crafts.
<img alt="" data-caption="Yes, a $300 busy board exists. PHOTO: Screengrab from Etsy” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”6fd841ab-f6f8-4c21-a243-0419f77d1210″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/210422_busyboard_etsy.png”/>
Build a Busy Board on a Shoestring—Because Why Pay Full Price?
Ever felt the urge to turn your pile of junk into the next big thing on Pinterest? We’re talking about a DIY busy board that will cost you peanuts while saving the planet. Grab your sewing kit, a dash of creativity, and let’s repurpose the stuff that’s just been orbiting your kitchen floor.
Why Recyclers Love This Project
Did you know Singapore throws away 900 million kilos of plastic every year? That’s serious. And the recycling rate is a meager 4 %—so if we’re going to squeeze the last laugh out of the planet, we might as well make art out of whatever’s left over. A busy board isn’t just a toy; it’s a statement that says “Look, I care!” and “I’m frugal.”
What I Digged Up From the Trash Heap
- Old coffee pod boxes—because everything needs a new purpose.
- Kitch…well, towel rolls—those comfy loopy ribbons are perfect for string games.
- The lonely bubble‑tea cup that had more foam than fun.
- A bit of leftover cloth and zippers from projects that never made it to the ‘final stage.’
- Ribbons & strings from last Christmas—who says that’s a holiday resource?
- An ancient wall switch you forgot was there.
- A calculator that still holds more mysteries than your math homework.
- And two bookends that had a very taxing life—one last resort for shoelaces, the other a great square for tiny locks.
Putting It All Together (Yes, It’s Gushy)
Brush up the cardboard, glue the zippers on the corners, lace the string across the boards like a legit puzzle. Attach the calculator as a rotating spin, and the bookends become tiny lock‑together stations. Your board will now be a riot of textures—a tactile symphony of waste repurposed, all while keeping the wallet happy.
Not only will your kidlets (or the kid in you) have a blast trying to pick up pegs and push buttons, you’ll also reduce the planet’s burden by re‑using. There’s nothing like making a custom‑made board out of items that might otherwise end up in the landfill—feel-good vibes guaranteed.
<img alt="" data-caption="I go through a box once a week — just imagine the amount of waste. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Lynette Phua” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”644650f0-f951-4300-aeb9-7e599461e5a8″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/greenhome_recycling_3.jpg”/><img alt="" data-caption="These KOI cups are super sturdy — perfect to be part of toddlers' busy board. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Lynette Phua” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”132698d8-0683-4a33-a155-c54003a47045″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/greenhome_recycling_5.jpg”/>
All‑the‑Things‑You‑Need‑for‑Your DIY Night‑Light Adventure
Hey, craft‑lover! Grab your toolbox and check out what every builder of glowing wonderlands needs besides the main snazzy parts.
- Velcro tapes – Easy to stick, easy to remove, and perfect for swapping the looks whenever you feel like a mini makeover.
- Glue – The trusty binding agent that\’s less sticky than your dad’s old socks but just as reliable.
- A sturdy board – Think of it as the mission control center; it must hold the weight of all the fun that’s going to happen.
- Ping‑pong balls – They bring that whimsical “bounce” factor and make your project feel like a tiny indoor carnival.
- Cotton wool – For a soft, fluffy touch that feels like a tiny cloud‑handed to your kids’ excitement.
- Hooks with adhesive backs</h…
Hang everything on the board, pile the ping‑pong balls on top, dot it with cotton, and attach the night light once it’s all set up. Boom! Just light it up, and let the glow show—watch those faces light up like fireworks!
A quick DIY
Step 1: Pinterest Scavenger Hunt
Picture me swiping through Pinterest like a detective on a mission—my “snag” was to sniff out the coolest busy-board ideas that would win over my nephews.
What I was hunting for
- Creative layouts that keep kids engaged.
- Kid‑friendly materials that don’t break the bank.
- Fun themes that can be swapped up whenever a new obsession pops up.
Step 2: Quick Sketch & Brainstorm
Once I had my “cheat sheet,” I grabbed a doodle pad, pulled out a trusty pencil, and sketched a rough blueprint of all the must‑have elements for my masterfully busy board.
Sketch Highlights
- Bones used for a personalized touch.
- A timer challenge that will keep teeth grinding.
- Skill-based reward system that’s as satisfying as smashing a cookie.
<img alt="" data-caption="Just a very rough sketch of the things I wanted on my busy board. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Lynette Phua” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”268333fc-810c-46e8-8d19-53af4d50820d” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/210422_busyboard.jpg”/>
DIY Night Light Adventure
After doing a quick house audit, I pulled out every small thing I could use, crated a “shopping list” of the missing pieces, and set out to buy them. I kept it simple by stopping at only two spots: Art Friend and Daiso.
Art Friend – The Craft Corner
- Glue – because everything needs a stickier bond.
- Velcro tapes – perfect for easy grab‑and‑release.
- Sturdy board – big enough to hold all the bits and pieces.
Daiso – Your One‑Stop Budget Shop
- Ping‑pong balls – for playful visual flair.
- Cotton wool – to soften and absorb light.
- Hooks with adhesive backs – to mount the light wherever you like.
- Battery‑operated night light – the core of our project.
All in all, this little kit won’t break the bank—think no more than <$20 for the whole shebang.
<img alt="" data-caption="Hopefully the kids will stop 'stealing' your TV remote controls with these to keep them occupied. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Lynette Phua” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”629ee3d1-6264-4fcc-a285-70d0aefd226f” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/greenhome_recycling_4.jpg”/>
Crafty Countdown: Your Ultimate DIY Shopping List
Getting ready for a creative project? Grab your backpack (or your favorite Jenga stack) and snag these goodies before the next session of “inspiration” hits the panic button.
Materials & Tools
- Foam board – $11.90 from Art Friend (big, light, and perfect for building anything from cool trophies to clever paper mache styles).
- Glitter sponge or construction paper – to fashion a slick cylindrical funnel. Make that glitter splash the way you want your art to look.
- Bubble tea cup – wash, dry, and treat it like a precious trophy. Those cups are your canvas for layered science.
- Ping pong balls (pack of six) – $2 from Daiso. Toss them into your designs, or if you’re feeling semi‑scientific, play a game of “ball dodge.”
- Coffee pot boxes – because every adventurous craft needs a sturdy container.
- Cotton wool – $2 for four cushiony colors from Daiso. Ideal for stuffing, quilting, or just snow‑boxing that snow globe you’ve always wanted.
- Felt cloth – the work‑horse fabric for that cool overlay effect.
- Hook‑no‑screws adhesive hooks – $2 for a pack of three from Daiso. Grab two packs, because who might forget a third as any creative soul would?
- Ribbons & Strings – those random twists and textures to mix into your visual symphony.
- Kitchen towel roll – keep it handy for wiping even your dancing ‘hand of science.’
- Battery‑operated touch night light – $2 from Daiso for that peaceful glow while you work late into the night.
- Wall switch – $2 from Daiso for complete control and instant power.
- Compact remote control or calculator – yes, you read that right. Keep it on background beats or count out steps like a calculator‑but‑creative finisher.
- Zippers – because everything needs a quick and snappy opening, just like a surprise!
- Strong‑hold glue – your magic mantle for keeping things connected securely.
- Velcro tapes – $4 from Art Friend for those detachable smiles.
Why this list holds your creative soul
From the foam board that builds your fortress to the velcro that lets you swap parts without fuss – every item is chosen to give you freedom and fun. Toss on a bubble tea cup, and you might start a caption: “Check out my latest foam‑fabric, glitter‑sprinkled, ping‑pong‑powered masterpiece.” Feel the irony? We love it.
Final Thought
So, ready to catalog your creative kit? Kick off your craft adventure and treat every item like a playful ally. Let the imagination flow and watch your projects bloom spectacularly, one sparkly, ball‑filled, velcro‑attached element at a time.
<img alt="" data-caption="The toddlers were most intrigued by this $2 touch night light. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Lynette Phua” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”4002173d-a36c-4e30-b54c-fb3247cb311b” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/greenhome_recycling_8.jpg”/>
Quick‑Build Bright‑Ideas Board
Step 1: The One‑Hour Setup (Almost a Magic Trick)
In less than an hour, I had everything in place. Grab your sketch—think of it as your mind map—and start by gluing a mix of textured goodies into those coffee pod boxes. They’re the foundation, after all.
Step 2: Velcro & Display
Once the glue’s set, attach velcro tapes to the backs of each piece. This gives you the freedom to reposition stuff on the fly. Arrange them aesthetically—no rigid grids, just a tasty spread of colors and shapes that look good to the eye.
Step 3: The Salute—A Busy Board Is Born!
Now sit back and admire your creation. A boisterous board ready to hold your wild ideas, doodles, and real‑world stuff.
Final Touch: Play‑Test Time
- Grab your board.
- Let’s put it to the test—see how it holds up during brainstorming, gaming, or the daily chaos.
- Iterate, tweak, and enjoy the flow of creativity.
And there you have it—an inventive sidekick that’s a breeze to build and a delight to use.
<img alt="" data-caption="The kids, Lewis, Levin and my 2-year-old niece Rebecca Yap, were obsessed with it for quite a while. An achievement, I'd say. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Lynette Phua” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”3bd41256-ad1a-4a37-9d96-3ffdf867c99c” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/greenhome_recycling_9.jpg”/>
Verdict
Kids went absolutely gaga—every laugh, every cheer, every splattering of good vibes was pure gold!
Adults weren’t left out either; they found themselves tapping feet and nodding in sync, feeling as if they’d slipped into their childhood shoes—again!
<img alt="" data-caption="The 'big kids' loved the busy board too. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Lynette Phua” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”eacb0ba1-9f3a-4bb3-a390-8bd372071af7″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/greenhome_recycling_7.jpg”/>
Less toys, more joy
Velcro: The Secret Ingredient to a Never‑Ending Busy Board
Imagine a busy board that evolves as quickly as your child’s imagination. By simply swapping out the play pieces with the help of velcro strips, you keep the fun fresh and your setup forever customisable.
Why Velcro Works So Well
- Easy peasy switching: When a toy breaks or gets worn out, just peel it off and hover a new one onto the same spot.
- Geek‑grade flexibility: Add, remove, or rearrange pieces whenever you like—no boring moments for your kid.
- Forever reusable: The same simple strips can be reused again and again, saving you money and hassle.
How to Turn Your Board into a DIY Playground
Start with a basic layout of puzzles, locks, and sliders. Then, gather a few colored velcro patches and:
- Attach the patches to each spot on the board where you want interchangeable toys.
- Choose your toys—from magnetic letters to plastic animals, anything that sticks.
- Swap them out whenever your little explorer needs a fresh challenge.
Brighten Their Day, One Switch at a Time
With velcro, the board never feels stale. Your child drops a toy when it starts to feel like a twisted lizard? No problem—just pick a new dragon or dinosaur. The moment they grow bored, you’re ready with a brand‑new surprise. Turn every switch into a mini adventure, and watch the tiny eyes sparkle with excitement.
<img alt="" data-caption="Velcro tapes make things so much easier. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Lynette Phua” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”62e38ec7-ee2b-4fa6-bee2-8edd2959f4bd” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/greenhome_recycling_6.jpg”/>
Got a Spare Night Light or Calculator? You’re Covered!
Hey there! Need a spare night light or a calculator? Just pull it off the shelf—super easy.
Next Up: Upcycling Fun
- Bicycle Bells: Taking an old bell off your bike and giving it a new life has never sounded so good.
- Christmas Ornaments: Imagine reusing that classic ornament with bells—your wall will be a holiday hit even in the middle of summer.
Can you feel the joyful chime already? Let’s keep those great sounds looping while we keep our planet happy!
