Animal Recyclers

One way we can do this is by not wasting food and materials but reusing and recycling these precious resources. While God specifically commanded humans, who are made in his image, to be good stewards of creation, even some animals make sure nothing goes to waste.

House Hunters

Since they don’t grow their own shells, hermit crabs use shells left behind by other creatures, such as snails.

Egg-cellent Recycling

When monarch butterfly caterpillars hatch from their eggs, they eat the eggshells before munching on plants. That’s a real commitment to recycling!

Trash to Treasure

Many species of male bowerbirds construct fancy structures to attract a mate. They use bright, colorful objects such as berries, bright leaves, and flowers to decorate their homes. Unfortunately, bowerbirds also collect litter from humans, which can be dangerous to the birds and other animals. This is a reminder that we should be stewards of the creatures God made.

Like-New Nests

Some barn swallows build mud nests and often reuse their old ones. They clean out the nest from the previous year and add a new layer of mud to strengthen the nest.

Waste Not, Want Not

Koalas like to eat the leaves of eucalyptus trees, but the leaves are toxic to koala babies. To prepare the baby for eating eucalyptus leaves when it grows up, the mother feeds the baby her poo to give her baby special gut bacteria. The bacteria allows the koala to digest the leaves.

Some animals provide humans with materials the animals don’t need anymore.

• Children in Hawaii once used pencil urchin spines to write their lessons on small chalkboards.
• When sheep’s wool grows too long, farmers give them a haircut and use the wool to make clothing, blankets, and other helpful items.
• Honeybees produce wax that people use for making candles, ointments, and many other things.