Collecting more "Beautiful Junk"
A creative sustainability initiative in ECE
As we move into the new year, we’re excited to keep the momentum going with Beautiful Junk, our sustainability and creative reuse initiative within the ECE program at Mohawk College.
From January through April, we will continue collecting the same loose parts and materials many of you have already been contributing — and we’re expanding the collection to include new items that support dramatic play, sensory exploration, and creative learning.
What we’re collecting now:
Loose Parts (ongoing):
- Lids (fruit sauce pouches, Gerber jars, bottle caps, laundry detergent lids, etc.)
- Buttons
- Corks
- Spools
- Golf tees
New additions – Kitchen & Dramatic Play Items:
- Muffin tins
- Baking/cooking sheets
- Cooking utensils
- Measuring cups and spoons
Creative & Construction Materials:
- Hard cardboard (e.g., wrapping paper tubes — not toilet paper rolls)
- Fabric scraps
- Art materials
Many of these items can be found right at home, and every contribution helps build rich, open-ended learning experiences for children while supporting Mohawk College’s Sustainability Plan.
 |  |  |
Drop-off and collection details:
- A226 - Beside the printer
- A111 – 8:00-4:00, closed from 12:00-1:00
- A027 – For those who teach in there
- F114 in the donation box
Featured updates will continue to be shared through Inside Mohawk. Thank you for continuing to support this initiative and for helping us turn everyday materials into powerful tools for play, learning, and connection — one piece of beautiful junk at a time.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved, please reach out to Kerry Drake, ECE Faculty - kerry.drake@mohawkcollege.ca