It’s important to think about the impact of crafting on the environment, but there are some easy ways to make any craft project more eco-friendly!
As with all things, when you stop to look at the impact of arts and crafts on the environment, it’s complicated. You might think, for example, that of course, wool from a sheep is better for the Earth than synthetic yarn. It is biodegradable and renewable. But what about ethical, is it unpleasant for the sheep? What about the water and resources used to raise the sheep? It’s not black and white and every crafter will need to decide for themselves what they are comfortable with.
That being said, there are some simple tips and tricks that you can use to make any craft project more eco-friendly. Every little bit helps, right? If you think of any eco-friendly crafting tips that I didn’t think of, let me know!
How To Make Any Craft Project More Eco-Friendly
- Make useful things – any item that will be used for a long time is helpful and better for the Earth, of course instead of something that will be disposed of quickly.
- Use supplies you already have – I know, the lure of new craft supplies is strong, but using what you already have instead of consuming more is always better.
- Use previously owned craft supplies or tools – Get supplies from a friend, borrow tools and checkout out your local thrift store when you need anything for a craft project. Some local libraries even have a maker’s room or a tool lending library you can use!
- Use natural materials – Can you incorporate any natural materials into your project. Make sure any natural materials you collect won’t disturb any habitats or ecosystems.
- Reuse – Can you reuse any materials or supplies from another project? Unravel a scarf? Reuse an embellishment? Re-purpose some fabric?
- Use the natural version of a supply if you can – use wool felt instead of plastic felt, natural fiber yarn instead of synthetic, make your own paper mache glue with flower instead of using pvc glue etc.
- Use scraps – Can you use up every scrap of material that you have? For example, stuff amigurumi with yarn scraps instead of buying fiberfill. Same goes for paper or fabric or ribbon scraps.
- Use recycled materials – I craft with recycled cardboard boxes all the time. Toilet paper rolls, plastic food containers or bottles, glass jars, newspaper or packing paper and egg cartons can all be the base of amazing craft projects.
- Replace or avoid materials and supplies you know are bad for the environment – Can you use alternatives to spray paint, foam, plastic, glitter, polymer clay, oil based solvents etc.? For example, instead of using a foam wreath base, cut a circle from scrap cardboard and build your wreath on that!
- Think about craft companies values – does one company that makes a particular supply commit to lowering greenhouse gases and another doesn’t?
- Use containers you already have for craft supply storage – shoeboxes, food containers, jars etc. are all great things to use to store your craft supplies!
- Pass it on – When you are finished with a craft project or a craft supply or tool, find someone else to enjoy it rather than throwing it out. A lot of resale stores will also accept these kinds of things as donations!
- Think about cleanup – For example, use sustainable cleaning supplies after crafting, use green furniture stripping chemicals, use old newspaper to protect a table instead of a plastic tablecloth etc.
- Recycle, donate or save leftovers – consider alternatives to throwing out any supplies or materials leftover from your craft project. Can you or someone else use them again?
- Dispose of waste properly – recycle what you can and make sure anything that can’t be reused is disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way. For example, don’t toss oil based paints in the regular trash, contact your local waste management company to find out how to dispose of any materials you aren’t sure about.
- Host a craft supply swap – Share the wealth with friends, pass on craft supplies, craft tools, you could even swap finished craft projects!
If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…
- DIY Fire Hydrant and Poodle Costume - October 22, 2024
- Poodle Hat Knitting Pattern - October 22, 2024
- Little Devil Hat Knitting Pattern - October 15, 2024
Leave a Reply