Do you Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?

[Former_Member]

Hi - I'm collecting blog content for a post I'm planning for Earth Day. (I know - it's over a month from now, but with my hetic schedule I like to pre-write my blogs when I do have time.) I'd like to feature local artists because it doesn't get much more eco friendly than shopping local (less driving for the mail man!)

So if you could respond and let me know what you do as part of your craft buisness to reduce your footprint - I'll be sharing all the ideas and the shops on Earth Day.

ex. At Miss Meghan Elizabeth I purchase my packaging for the jewelry from a company who uses at minimum 30% post consumer recycled paper in all of their products. I pay a small premium for these materials, but it's important to me and the boxes are good enough quality they can be reused by the seller for just about anything - I do not put any logos on the boxes for that reason as well.

[Former_Member]

At CMM Jewelry I re-purpose found beach glass into jewelry. I know its not technically recycling, but in a way it is. Also, all the bulk supply orders usually come in plastic zip lock bags. I always make sure to reuse these for other storage items and extra jewelry pieces. I also use old jars and plastic containers to store my supplies in.

[PepiDesigns]

I reduce and reuse.

I stopped printing out the invoice to include in the packaging. I realized that it's just a waste of paper, and when I'm buying stuff, I don't care for it. So I figured buyers won't care for it either, and if they need it, they can find it in their Etsy account.

I also try to reuse packaging materials. For example, if I receive a packaged gift with nice packaging paper or ribbons that are in great condition and can be reused, I'll definitely save them for my future packaging.

[Former_Member]

I upcycle repurpose items when making my necklaces

[Former_Member]

What a great idea for Earth Day! I am a paper crafter making handmade cards, so to reduce my impact my cards come with 100% recylced envelopes that I purchase from GreenEarthSupplies on Etsy (and they are fabulous).
When packaging items to ship, I use recycled kraft bags instead of plastic and ship in a CareMail padded envelope instead of a bubble mailer, so all of the packaging is recyclable. I do not print out invoices, as I find them unnecessary.
I look forward to seeing ideas from the shops you feature in your post!

[segparsons]

hi all :)

I recycle alot, our town has a huge recycle program. My husband works for the newspaper and we get lots of paper. Our church has a paper recycle bin (dumpster) size. Glass, tins, plastic is sorted into 3 bins for pick up.

I don't send invoices either. I love to recycle packages I get. I once got something from Ebay in a cereal box, wrapped in a brown paper grocery bag !

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much everyone! I'll be in touch if I have more questions - I can't wait to put the feature together - let me know if you know of any other local shops I should reach out to.

[Former_Member]

I create eco-friendly herb favors - everything is made with recycled materials, recyclable and/or compostable. My event stationery is printed on recycled paper and label stock using wax ink for less packaging and less waste. Most of my supplies are also bought locally. I ship everything using compostable materials - I've also stopped ordering from suppliers because they have shipped packages in styrofoam! Yuck!

[khallion]

I take driftwood from the beach and recycle it into art:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/khallion?section_id=6237487

I also upcycle the glass covers to yankee candles:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/khallion?section_id=6525900

[spygirl915]

I recycle cardboard boxes for shipping supplies, I save and bag all packing peanuts and bubble wrap to reuse when I ship out my items. I also reuse the blank sides of used computer paper for my note to self and lists (like grocery). When a necklace breaks or isn't in style any longer, I save the charms and beads to make other jewelry. When I'm painting with acrylics, I used cleaned up styrafoam that meat comes in as my palette. When I'm finished the painting, I just toss out the palette. Those are just a few of the ways I trying recycling and reusing things.

[Former_Member]

keep it coming! you guys are awesome, thanks!

[Former_Member]

that is an awesome idea, using the cover to a yankee candle. We should probally save them and give them to you :)

[Former_Member]

I know! right? love the yankee candle covers!

[cathydurso]

I sell handbound books on Etsy and I reuse by using leftover scraps of fabric and paper to make tiny books, to sell or use as giveaways. I also wrap books I'm shipping out in brown shopping bag paper that I get from doing my grocery shopping and use leftover pieces of ribbon or thread to tie the package up.

[PearlesPainting]

Most everything I paint is found...either from a dumpster, the side of the road, clearance isles at stores or just given to me. I Love to UP-cycle. One of my favorites in my Etsy shop is the Trader Joes Wooden box that was sold w/ cookies in it. I just received it from somebody and painted it last month.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70153900/hand-painted-upcycled-wooden-box
This Butterfly table was old and beat up given to me by a friend:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65978670/butterfly-table-come-fly-away
The latest is up-cycling old wooden puzzle pieces into pins....
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70993080/up-cycle-puzzle-piece-pins-wearable-art
On my FB page I just posted pic of an old beat up students desk that I am starting to transform from trash to absolute treasure....
http://www.facebook.com/PearlesPrettyPieces
My art is all about re-using and Up-cycling!
Pearle♥

[Former_Member]

As often as possible I paint on ampersand gessoboards. This gessoboard is made from sustainable forest products that ensure the protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water, Gessobord is formaldehyde-free and contains no harmful volatile organic compounds.

That is just one of the ways I try to commit to an earth friendly lifestyle.

Thanks!

[Former_Member]

AND..... the post is finally live!

http://missmeghanelizabeth.blogspot.com/2011/04/earth-day-shop-local.html

I tried to get at least a shout out in to eveyone that participated in providing me with feedback. Thanks so much!