How to Craft Green

Being a friend to the environment is not only the popular path to pursue these days, it's also a smart one. So, we recycle our glass, plastic and paper waste. We compost our lawn clippings and vegetable trimmings. And we turn off our lights when we're not in the room. But when it comes to crafting, going green might not seem as obvious--yet it's still very doable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Instead of going out and buying new supplies for each new project, take a good look at what you have in your stash and see if anything can be used before going out for more. Not only will this conserve materials and save you a trip to the store, it can make your projects more individual looking.
2. Avoid purchasing extra items “just in case.” Whether it's one more skein of yarn, a few extra sheets of card stock or an additional bottle of paint, buying extra that you may never use for another project will either contribute to the clutter in your craft area or eventually the landfill situation when you clear out those unused supplies. The exception, of course, is basics that you use all the time like adhesive or items in colors you gravitate toward consistently.
3. Consider subscribing to websites instead of magazines, or reading magazines at the library instead of having a personal copy. Magazines are great sources for ideas and new products on the market, but many have very informative websites, some with thriving communities, that offer inspiration without the clutter. If you must have your magazines, at least save the articles and ideas you like and recycle the rest of it, if at all possible.
4. Use natural fibers in knitting and crochet that are easily renewable. Bamboo yarn is incredibly soft and takes very little toll on the environment because it grows so quickly. There is even yarn made from seaweed blended with other natural fibers, that claims to have health benefits for your skin.
5. Save your scraps and use them! Leftover paper, paint and other supplies can be kept and used later if you store them correctly. Organizing your supplies will make it easier to see what you have and what you need and help you to avoid buying duplicates and excess.
6. When you cannot use it yourself, give it to someone who can. Whether you choose to sell your excess craft supplies online or donate them to charities that work with children or single parents, or just share them with friends who craft, passing them along is one more step away from landfills.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice found art by using nontraditional supplies in a variety of crafts.
• Recycle ink and toner cartridges by sending them to the manufacturer or taking them with you when you buy replacements.
• For scrapbookers, give digital a try! Less clutter and reusable supplies.