Sustainability of Crafting

par Elizabeth Sullivan juin 24, 2018 1 Commentaire

Sustainability of Crafting

Recently I've been reading the book "Life without Plastic" and the June issue of National Geographic which features several articles about plastic pollution. I've been on a bit of a campaign to reduce plastic in our home for the past year or so, but even so, reading these articles has been eye opening as to just how big of a problem plastic is for our planet. The fact that really stuck with me from the National Geographic article is that "Virtually half of the plastic ever manufactured has been made in the past 15 years". This is mind-boggling to me. And obviously not sustainable!

So, this was on my mind yesterday as I packed up all my craft supplies for our move next week. Most of it is yarn and books for knitting and crochet, but I also have tools and materials for weaving, sewing, embroidery, beading... you get the picture. And as I was sorting it all out, I started noticing all the bits and pieces of plastic.

I have a box of vintage sewing thread I inherited from my grandmother that is all on beautiful wooden spools. But of course now when you buy thread it's on plastic spools.

Embroidery thread on plastic holders

It used to be that when you bought embroidery thread it came with a little paper sleeve to keep it tidy - now it's plastic. And I have these little plastic organizers to wind the thread onto which is convenient, but couldn't I have just used bits of recycled cardboard?

Plastic buttons, nylon ribbons, elastic, tape measures, scissor handles, the iron... When you start really looking, you realize just how pervasive it is.

Now I know that I won't be able to replace everything in my crafting life with a plastic-free version, but it is certainly something to think about when making purchases in the future.

Questions to ask myself:

  • Does this contain plastic?
  • Does it need to or is there an alternative plastic-free option?
  • Is it something I could make myself instead?
  • Or get second-hand rather than buying new?
  • If I must buy plastic, is it the best quality, longest-lasting version I can afford?

Are you a crafter? Is this something you've thought about before?

P.S. This is something we think about in our business practices as well, but that's a story for another blog post :)





Elizabeth Sullivan
Elizabeth Sullivan

Auteur


1 Réponse

Kelly W.
Kelly W.

juin 25, 2018

YES! I absolutely think about it. And sometimes there are different choices I can make and sometimes there aren’t because, for example, plastic SPOOLS. It’s so hard. And it’s absolutely worth it.

Laisser un commentaire


Voir l'article entier

Choosing a Natural Dye Book
Choosing a Natural Dye Book

par Ivy Oldford août 11, 2025

Have you ever tried dyeing your own yarn using natural colorants? Are you now looking for more inspiration? Or maybe you’ve always been curious, and are wondering where to begin. Below, we’ve introduced four books that could be exactly what you’re looking for!

Voir l'article entier →

Cover image of Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting by Carson Demers
Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting

par Ivy Oldford juillet 12, 2025 2 Commentaires

One month ago, I found myself in the emergency room with unbearable back pain. I later learned it was caused by a herniated disc and osteoarthritis (OA) that had taken over my entire lower back. Would I ever be able to dye yarn again, let alone... knit...?

Voir l'article entier →

Recipe: Watermelon Slushie
Recipe: Watermelon Slushie

par Elizabeth Sullivan août 23, 2024 2 Commentaires

What do you do when you have a glut of watermelon? Freeze it and make watermelon slushie! I started doing this last summer and it's the perfect way to use up a watermelon, especially one that's a bit overripe. Plus, with a touch of lime and mint it really hits the spot on a hot day!

Voir l'article entier →

Épuisé articles en stock articles en stock