Statistics like those released by the US EPA showing that, in 2017, the US produced the equivalent of 4.51 pounds of waste per person per day, are certainly alarming. Tackling that sheer volume of waste creation seems daunting, and to be honest, a little overwhelming. However, there are things each of us can do to reduce our impact.
Reduce
No doubt the best thing to do is to create less waste in the first place. After all, if we don’t generate it then this article ends right now, I get to stop writing, you get to stop reading, and we all get to have a nice cup of tea and a biscuit. However, for most crafters zero waste from a project is only a dream. I am a knitter and there is something that all knitters know – it NEVER takes exactly a certain number of balls to complete the project. I have lost county of the number of times I have had to start a new ball of yarn just to finish those last 4 rows. Attics, spare rooms, and closets all over the world groan with the weight of those almost full, two-thirds full, and random small scrap balls that we all collect over the years.
Reuse
Now many of us are lucky and find a use for those little bits and bobs – a funky throw, a blanket for a favorite pet, a very colorful Dr Who style scarf. However, for many others these odd and ends just sit taking up storage space until they are sent to landfill.
SewGreen Rochester seeks to change that by collecting those odd bits in a special section of the store known as Scrappy Land.
While I buy plenty of full balls from their shelves this is really my favorite place to find yarn. Although it is more work to decide how to use it when you only have a limited supply, I like the fact that this is really the stuff that others wouldn’t think of to use. I certainly enjoy the challenge of giving it a new life!
Recycle
Stop by my blog in future weeks to find out more about where I source recycled fabric yarn.
I am so grateful for all Statement By Laura customers and to show my appreciation I am offering you all a special discount. From Small Business Saturday all the way through to Cyber Monday you can save 15% on any purchase from the whole Statement by Laura Collection!
To claim your discount go to the Shop tab and choose your favorite Statement By Laura pieces, then type the code SMALLBIZ at checkout. And Voila:
one happy shopper,
one happy maker, and
one happy Charity (SewGreenRochester) who receive 10% of all sales even on sale items!
“May it bring as much joy to the wearer, as it has to the maker!”
This is the note that I send with all my purchases. I will be the first to admit that I run Statement By Laura for the love of making more than anything else. However, I recognise that in order to share that love with the world I have to have a way for people to buy and therefore share the joy.
I am very grateful to many people for helping turn my joy into a collection, but none more so than Ashley Zhong for allowing me to partner with her wonderful Snapdragon Brand in her online shop.
When you hit the shop button above you can buy not only my work but also some of the most amazing crochet inspired clothing and accessories.