How can I help the environment through crafts?

Question: How can I save the environment? Answer: Waste less! In these David Attenborough years, more and more of us have realised the negative effects we’re having on the planet, and are doing our best to improve it. Some are opting for reusable water bottles, others are shunning plastic, and many restaurants are welcoming paper and even pasta straws! But for crafters, living an eco-friendly lifestyle has never been easier – and we have six projects to prove it…

STASH-BUSTER

Try as we might, it’s near impossible to use a whole length of fabric in one project! But instead of throwing away your scraps, transform them into this sweet bucket bag – it’s the perfect size to store fresh fruit in on your next supermarket trip.

HOT PROJECT

Don’t throw away worn and torn oven gloves, re-cover them instead! In this super simple tutorial on The Crafts Channel, expert sewer Corinne shows you exactly how to do this.

THAT’S A WRAP

Move over cling film, there’s a new food wrapper in town! Storing your lunch in this reusable snack bag is not only environmentally-friendly, but its innovative design also means you’ll be the talk of the staff room!

BAG FOR LIFE

Plastic bags are old news. Instead, we’re making long-lasting carryalls to take to the shops, like this bowling bag.

COOL MAKE

Another way to banish cling film from your kitchen is with these pretty fabric bowl covers! Not only are they washable and reusable, but they’re also great in the fridge for protecting your leftovers, too.

BUZZ, BUZZ

Ditch the disposable tin foil and swap to beeswax wraps to store your snacks. The Crafts Channel has found that the easiest method is to coat cotton with wax to provide maximum food freshness.

EVERY LITTLE HELPS

If you’d like to go one step further and extend your eco-friendliness beyond your craft life, then try out these methods for size.

MOTHER NATURE

Earth Day 2019 was on 22nd April, but you can take part in the Protect our Species campaign all year round from the comfort of your own home. The goals are to raise awareness about the extinction of species, build a global movement that protects wildlife, and encourage individuals to do their bit! Simply head over to the Earth Day website to get involved.

CUT THE WRAP

LUSH makes colourful, deliciously-scented, sustainable cosmetics! The store avoids packaging on products such as shampoo, bath bombs and body lotion, but the tubs that they do use are made from 89% recycled products.

SECOND HAND SEPTEMBER

Say 'yes' to Second Hand September! Each week, 11 million items of clothing end up in landfills, so Oxfam has asked you to not buy any new clothes for the whole of September. This shouldn't be too difficult for us stitchers, as most of our outfits are handmade!