It’s plastic free July! Here are 5 easy ways to sustainable crochet. HINT: You’re probably already doing some of these! 😉
There are several simple and effective methods that crocheters can implement to minimize their plastic consumption during this Plastic Free July.
By incorporating these strategies, you can contribute to a more eco-friendly and sustainable crocheting practice. Remember, every small step helps to make a significant impact on the environment.
So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, here are 5 ways you can consciously reduce your use of plastics and create beautiful, plastic-free creations:
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links (*), meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1) Make Your Own Reusable Products
There are so many things around the home or when we go shopping that we use once and then throw away! As crocheters, can make easily make reusable versions of these!
For example, single use plastic bags are still available on the produce aisles in UK supermarkets! You know the kind I mean, those nasty, thin bags that you’re supposed to put your apples or potatoes in.
Avoid using them by making your own produce bags – you can find a free pattern for a produce bag here. At my supermarket you weigh your produce, then the scales spit out a sticky label with the price, so I included a handy label on the produce bag for that sticker.
You could make your own dishcloths (and face scrubbies etc). Ditch the kitchen sponge which is full of plastic, and swap to homemade dishcloths.
If you use 100% cotton, you can even compost them at the end of their life! That takes me nicely into the next option…
2) Choose Natural Fibres
Acrylic yarn is a favourite among crocheters but it is essentially plastic. Instead, opt for yarns made from sustainable and biodegradable materials such as organic* cotton, bamboo, hemp, linen or wool. These types of fibers are not only free from plastic additives but may also have a lower carbon footprint.
However, it can be a bit of a controversial option because whether or not these fibres are 100% environmentally friendly is up for debate. Buy from eco-friendly brands. Look for yarn brands that prioritize sustainability and use environmentally friendly manufacturing processes or use low-impact dyes for vibrant colors without harmful chemical additives.
Plus you also have to consider the ethics of using wool, e. g. shearing, while necessary, can be very traumatic for the animal. Do your research (Google is free 😉) so you can decide which option is best for you.
3) Use Recycled Yarn
Ok another potentially controversial option because, these may still contain polyester or other materials that fall under the heading of ‘plastic’. I’ve included it because these yarns use waste material that might otherwise have ended up in landfill. Many companies now offer yarns made from recycled materials.
Hoooked* are one of my favourite brands of recycled yarn.
Before buying new recycled yarn, consider repurposing or reusing yarn from old projects or unraveling unused pieces. This helps to reduce waste and minimize the need for new yarn purchases.
4) Save all your snippets
I’m not just talking about the left over yarn that might be usable in scrap projects, of course you want to save those to use later on (a round up of scrap projects is coming soon!)
I mean those teeny tiny bits of scrap yarn that are left over after you’ve woven in your ends or after you’ve trimmed a pom pom. Collect them all up and keep them in jars. Not only will they look pretty on your shelf but once you have enough of them you can use them to stuff amigurumi or cushions.
You’ll also be saving a whole pile of yarn from going into landfill.
5) Choose Wooden or Metal Tools
Instead of using plastic (or plastic handled) crochet hooks, opt for hooks made from materials like bamboo, wood, or metal. These alternatives are durable, often more ergonomic, and don’t contribute to plastic pollution.
Take a look at your other crochet tools, do you have plastic stitch markers? When it’s time to buy more consider buying metal ones instead.
Plastic can be sneaky, the handles of many ergonomic crochet hooks are made of plastic and wooden versions can be expensive. Shop around to see what your options are.
Here are some of the hooks I’ve purchased and shown in the image above:
Remember, as a crocheter, you have the power to make a positive impact on our planet. By adopting these practices where you can and spreading awareness within the crochet community, we can collectively reduce our consumption of plastics and work towards a cleaner, greener future.
The purpose of this post is to give you ideas on how you can be more sustainable with your crochet NOT to make you feel bad or judged for using acrylic yarn and plastic crochet hooks!
None of us are perfect, me included! I encourage you to be an imperfect sustainable crocheter, I really mean that! Every little bit you do helps!
Are there other things you’re already doing that make your crochet more sustainable? I’d love to hear about them, leave me a comment and let me know.
Happy crocheting!
