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International Earth Day – Ethical Supplies

Yesterday was International Earth Day. Why is this important?  “Our planet is at a turning point. The massive global migration underway now from countryside to cities will demand huge investments in energy, water, materials, waste, food distribution, and transportation over the next 25 years. If the right investments are made now, this unique opportunity will be the catalyst for dramatic changes in the built environment and the fight against carbon emissions and climate change.”

What does this mean to me personally? To be honest this can feel truly overwhelming. I read blogs which challenge me in achievable ways, have you met Jen of makedoandmend? recently I have discovered Wendy and her blog moral fibres.

In terms of my lifestyle and business this means being mindful about the resources I use, and the amount of waste I generate. My thoughts re affordable ethical supplies are my attempt to reuse a former garments for fabric. I use as much of the former garment as possible. This carries through to my packaging, using old dress patterns as tissue paper,  fabric scraps to make thank you notelets, and biodegradable postage bags.

Recycled Packaging

I source my fabric from charity shops, jumble sales and occasionally car boot sales. I visit charity shops regularly, popping in often to see new stock.

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Last week I had a lovely trip out with a friend to a new semi- local charity shop dedicated to sewing and crafting supplies. We enjoyed a good rummage.

I came away with lots of fabric patterns perfect for packaging up parcels, buttons for flower corsages, long zips ideal for bag making and two pieces of fabric – a grand total of £8.50. If you are norfolk england based this charity shop can be found at 4 Allenbrooks Way Wymondham and is open Monday – Friday – be warned it only takes cash!

The trick with all such bargain shopping is to remain disciplined. I have a limit on expenditure per item of £5.  I wish to make recycled bags which are affordable and accessible for the average person.  The best mantra when shopping is “do I need it?”!

What tips do you have for ethical supply shopping?

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Shell Louise

Friday 28th of March 2014

I really should stop and think about whether I need something before I buy it. We have far too much junk in this house and we seriously don't need more but I just seem to impulse buy all the time. I have been shopping at charity shops more often now because there's a lovely little one I pass on the way back from school. All the books sell for 20p....my idea of heaven! I bought 10 the first time I popped in and I'm planning on going back regularly :)

Kate Williams

Sunday 23rd of March 2014

I'm a big fan of charity shops too, but one that just does craft supplies? Wow!

Tarana

Sunday 23rd of March 2014

I think one of the best things to do for the environment is to reuse wherever possible. I'm not very good at sewing but I never throw away fabric or old clothes. I always find use for it, otherwise I give it to charity. I think your method of reusing fabric for new items is just amazing!

Franglaise Mummy

Sunday 23rd of March 2014

Sadly there are so many people who either take the ostrich approach to the environment or the simply "I don't care" approach. We recycle pretty much everything we possibly can in our house, and I use washable nappies for my baby (the same ones her older sister had), and people say things like "oh I couldn't do that", or "why should I bother?" and it makes me mad! I don't enjoy washing poo out of nappies, or rummaging through our waste to sort it into recycling, but you have to do your bit, for everyone. Sorry, climbing down from soap box now! #blogclub

Helen Neale (@KiddyCharts)

Friday 21st of March 2014

You are SPOT on - we all need to take a look at what we are doing to help save the environment. My kids are learning so much about this at school, and us adults needs to take it all on board too.

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