Ahh, it’s the most wonderful time of the year (again!). There are gifts, cards, and tags to be made, and things to wrap and give to the ones we love. But before you go nuts buying ribbon, gift bows, and sparkly things, read our top tips to ensure you’re a conscious crafter this holiday season.
While we adore crafting just as much as anyone else, the excess materials (usually discarded in the blink of an eye) can be incredibly wasteful and, frankly, unnecessary. That’s precisely why we’ve put together a brief guide brimming with practical tips and creative upcycling ideas. It’s designed to assist you in enjoying a more mindful and eco-friendly Christmas crafting experience. After all, gift-giving and crafting can be delightful without leaving a negative impact on the planet!
1. Be creative with your gift wrapping
Did you know that in 2018, it was estimated that 108 million rolls of wrapping paper were thrown away?
The worst part? A significant portion of that paper is not even recyclable, particularly since wrapping paper tends to be used only once before being discarded. This practice is remarkably wasteful! Furthermore, the fibres in lower-quality paper types lack the strength required for recycling. Additionally, wrapping paper often undergoes dyeing and lamination processes, incorporating non-paper elements such as gold and silver colouring, glitter, and plastics. To exacerbate matters, it frequently retains sticky tape, rendering it non-recyclable. The solution is elegantly simple: opt out of using paper altogether by embracing reusable decorative tins, baskets, or boxes. Alternatively, consider utilising do-it-yourself decorative fabric wraps that can be employed multiple times.
2. Upcycle!
Did you know that according to the European Commission reports, around 5.8 million tonnes of textiles are discarded in the EU every year, and only 26% get recycled?
Every upcycled product embodies the dedication of a creator committed to a high standard of craftsmanship. Having experienced decades of mass-produced items churned out in abundance from assembly lines, there’s a profound sense of uniqueness in receiving something authentically individual. Upcycled products celebrate individuals who revel in hands-on creativity, fostering a positive impact on both the environment and society. Beyond diverting materials from landfills, upcycling is a cost-effective endeavour that hones valuable skills. Whatever you create will be a masterfully crafted, one-of-a-kind piece that recipients are sure to treasure. The possibilities of upcycling are boundless, from repurposing old cards, tins, and crayons to transforming glass bottles, socks (ideal for DIY heating bags), and even old t-shirts. Let your imagination soar!
3. Use Seed Paper!
Did you know that recycling reduces CO2 emissions by 20% in comparison with incinerating the paper?
Spread holiday cheer with greeting cards that do more than convey warm wishes: plantable seed paper cards. These innovative cards are embedded with flower or herb seeds, allowing recipients to plant them and watch as vibrant blooms or fragrant herbs grow. You can purchase seed paper or make your own by blending recycled paper with water and seeds, then shaping it into cards. This sustainable twist on greeting cards adds a touch of nature to the holiday season while minimising waste. Here’s a on how to make seed paper.
4. Eco-Friendly Advent Calendar:
Did you know that a single Advent calendar contains 12 times the amount of plastic as a single chocolate bar, and a staggering 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging goes to landfills and incinerators every Christmas?
Revamp the classic advent calendar with an eco-friendly twist. Create a reusable advent calendar using fabric, felt, or recycled materials. Fill each pocket or compartment with small, sustainable treats like fair-trade chocolates, organic teas, or seeds for planting. Not only does this reduce waste compared to traditional, disposable advent calendars, but it also adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness to the countdown to the holidays.
5. Go digital!
Did you know that approximately one billion Christmas cards are thrown away every year?
Minimising your ecological footprint is most effectively achieved by addressing the root cause and eliminating waste generation altogether. Embracing a zero-waste approach for your Christmas crafts involves transitioning to digital alternatives. Opt for e-cards and emails over traditional letters, and explore the realm of digital painting using an iPad or drawing tablet. Digital art offers several advantages, including the ability to swiftly rectify mistakes, reduced risk of damage to your creations, an endless supply of virtual materials, and the elimination of space constraints typically associated with traditional art supplies.
6. Limit or plan out your waste (and what you’re going to do with it)
Did you know that in the UK alone, food waste from households and businesses stood at around 9.5 million tonnes?
Planning out your waste is one of the easiest ways to reduce it. Thinking about what you’re going to buy and use allows you to choose products that are recycled, recyclable, repairable, reusable, or refillable. And to find (and purchase) quality products that will last rather than short-life or disposable products. Planning for your waste also allows you to purchase items in bulk, thus minimising packaging. It also means you’ll have fewer waste materials left over after all your crafting is done.
7. Natural Wreaths and Garlands
Did you know that you can’t really recycle synthetic wreaths?
Swap out synthetic wreaths and garlands for natural alternatives. Craft your decorations using materials like pine cones, twigs, and dried flowers. Not only do these elements provide a rustic and charming aesthetic, but they also biodegrade naturally, minimising their impact on the environment. Plus, gathering these materials can be a fun and festive family activity.
8. DIY Ornaments with a Purpose
Did you know that approximately 12500 tonnes of Christmas decorations are discarded in landfills?
Gather your loved ones for a crafting session and create ornaments that serve a dual purpose. Consider crafting ornaments that double as seed pods for planting in the spring. Using materials like clay or recycled paper, shape ornaments that encapsulate seeds. Once the holidays are over, plant these ornaments in your garden, contributing to the growth of flowers or herbs. It’s a beautiful way to extend the joy of the season into the new year.
Featured Image via Yan Krukau