Greener crafting: Become a more sustainable crafter!

Want to be greener? Bring out your inner eco warrior and take a look at our eight steps to become a more sustainable crafter!

Microplastics

Did you know that when yarns containing plastics such as acrylic are washed, small particles of plastic can become dislodged and released into the water adding to the burden of microplastics in the world’s water supply? Crafters can reduce the amount of microplastics released from their beautiful makes by switching to yarns that contain natural fibres. Take a look at the contents of fibres on your next yarn shopping spree if microplastics are something you wish to avoid.

Shipping distance

Being able to create with yarns from all around the world is truly exciting. Sustainable fibres such as bamboo and banana yarn are grown in warmer climates and flown all over the globe to create beautiful biodegradable, natural yarns. However, with the environmental impact of overseas shipping, shipping distance is always worth considering if you want your crafting to be greener! Shopping for yarns produced a little closer to home is a sure-fire way to ensure you are not clocking up those air miles with every stitch.

Water

Something to take into account when you are next shopping for eco-friendly yarns is the amount of water used to create the gorgeous natural fibres we know and love. Yarns such as cotton and linen, while free of a lot of pitfalls like microplastics, use a significant amount of water during production. If you’re looking for yarns that have a lower water consumption, there are some fantastic options available such as yarns containing hemp which is sturdy and breathable and does not use as much water to produce.

Energy

Considering the energy used to produce your yarns is a great step towards becoming a greener crafter. Hand spun yarns are ideal for crafters who want to reduce energy use, but there are machine spun options that use significantly less energy too. Look for yarns that are created using renewable energy such as Uist Wool and companies like King Cole who have a focus on renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprint.

Recycled fibres

Using yarns that are made from recycled fibres is a great way to reduce your craft footprint. There are so many fabulous yarns available with more and more yarn companies creating recycled yarns in increasingly innovative ways, such as Big Value DK Recycled Limited Edition, the gorgeous new King Cole yarn created using recycled acrylics. Lowering consumption through crafting with yarns that use recycled fibres is the perfect way to go greener!

Quality

While we all want eco yarns that are naturally biodegradable, we also want yarns that will help us reduce consumption. If you are looking at your own consumption as a way to incorporate more sustainability into your crafting, seeking out good quality yarns is a fantastic way to make your knits last. If you are looking for longevity from your eco yarns look for a good sturdy fibre, such as hemp, linen, cotton and mohair to name just a few. Cutting down on our own consumption is a simple yet effective way to make our crafting a little greener, and investing in good quality long lasting yarns is a fabulous way to achieve this.

Pesticides

Natural fibres are often susceptible to pests. Fibres such as cotton and wool can sometimes be produced by using a certain number of pesticides. Pesticides can wreak havoc with the earth’s soil and can be damaging to surrounding wildlife. Luckily there is a whole world of eco-friendly organic and natural yarns on the market, so you can craft knowing that your yarn was grown with minimal disruption to the natural world.

Dyes

Using synthetic dyes to create the stunning colours we knitters simply adore can contribute to pollution. But don’t panic! There are many naturally dyed alternatives if you wish to cut down on synthetic dyes in your stash, or why not try dying your own natural yarns using avocado pips or recycled onion skins? Using undyed natural yarns is another fabulous way to reduce your consumption of synthetic dyes, such as West Yorkshire Spinners Fleece range. Try incorporating more natural hues into your makes and the Earth will thank you!

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