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Crafty Ways That People Are Saving Our Planet


Our hearts are truly into looking after this little planet of ours. As a small independent business, going plastic free, and being affordable is sometimes a little challenging, but never-the-less we are always on the lookout for ways to avoid single use plastic in what we do. This includes, committing to using up plastic stock, and only purchasing non-plastic alternatives. We have also challenged ourselves to create plastic-free craft kits.

During our hunt for creative ways to save this planet from plastic, we have been inspired by many initiatives which are doing amazing things to use items, not just plastic, that were being thrown away. We wanted to share with you some of our favourites.

EVENT T-SHIRTS INTO LAPTOP BAGS 

It is common for a company to order too much merchandise for an event. In New York, there is a fun run called the 'Krispy Kreme Challenge' which challenges people to run from a North Carolina State University campus to a Krispy Kreme around 2 miles away. They then eat a dozen donuts and run back. It was set up by uni students and sounds like good fun. However, they had an issue with too many t-shirts left over after the events. 

To their rescue came Reborn Clothing Co. who transforms old garments into laptop cases, blankets, bandannas, travel bags, golf head covers and more. Find out about the full story on WRAL.com.

ABANDONED FESTIVAL TENTS INTO KIDS RAINCOATS


We love what Beth Cosmos has been doing with unwanted tents. Abandoned tents has been an issue for a while now, with festival goers leaving them at the end of their stay. Hundreds get given to refugees but still, hundreds are left. Especially the broken tents, they are left for landfill. Some of these tents had be purchased just for this festival, saw 3 days up, and leave their mark on the planet from thereafter. I am a keen festival lover, so I was hoping there would be a different way.

Beth, an unapologetic goat lover, called the company Billygoats & Raincoats and has been saving the day ever since. Check out her website to see how bright these Welsh-made rain-goats...I mean raincoats, are.

PLASTIC BAGS INTO MATS FOR THE HOMELESS

See this article on Green Matters about these students who have been recreating plastic carrier bags into mats which can be used for the homeless. 


 Source: Green Matters

This amazing idea, named the Plarn Club, is using plastic bags in place of yarn. We love how cosy these actually look, considering they are made from plastic bags.

Bags from Bouncy Castles & Inflatables

What do you do with your swimming pool inflatable when it gets a hole in it? Well if you are Wyatt and Jack, you make handbags and accessories. We're so impressed with the colour and quality of these bags. You would be forgiven for missing that they are made from inflatables too. Check out their website for more details.


Have you seen any clever ways to reuse unwanted items? Let us know in the comments below, or on social media.


Illustration for MayInspire - We run adult craft groups in Southampton


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