Saving the Planet is one of those things on the To Do list that you
would happily clean the toilet to avoid. Or the oven. No one wants to clean the
oven.
It's too hard. Like tax returns. Or in my case, shortening a pair of
trousers. At least with the trousers I could get them done for me. Cleaning the
planet however, requires the cooperation of billions of people. As that's far too hard,
it's tempting not bother to trying at all.
For some, the word 'environmentally friendly' evokes boredom. For
others, guilt. That's why I love it when I see people making their lives more
eco by having fun and doing stuff they love.
Instead of feeling weighed down by the mission, we should take a leaf
out of their book and embrace the challenge to live a more planet-friendly life
by being more creative and innovative - or at least supporting the people who
are.
These are just a few fabulous people I came across on Instagram who
inspire me to think outside of the box:
1. Zero Waste Daniel - a fashion brand which makes all its clothes from
100% scrap material. It has a shop in NYC where you can pick the fabrics and
they make it for you there and then.
Check out their amazing collages...so clever!
Shopping in charity shops is also a great form
of recycling. I used to be put off by the old clothes smell but the good news is you can wash them! ;)
Try to get natural fibres if you can. The issue I've read about is that synthetic fibres release
microplastic when they're washed - I still think recycling has got to better than
not recycling though!
2. Kittie Kipper is an eco artist who repurposes ghosts nets and
marine debris from the waters of the world.
Isn't this rug gorgeous?
3. Knopfdesigns is a designer who turns chipped and unloved vintage
plates into ceramic jewellery. They're beautiful and affordable and will make great presents. I must
remember to check her site out ahead of Christmas!
4. Piera Lizzeri Upholstery - my childhood friend is inspiring when it
comes to making and mending. Seeing what she can do, makes me look at old furniture and wonder about
their true potential!
Okay, so upcycling old chairs and sewing scraps of fabric together
aren't going to set back global warming tomorrow... but isn't the idea of supporting an ethical, caring industry and owning
original pieces that have been salvaged from landfill appealing?
Ever since I read the Greenpeace post 'there's no such thing as away' it
gives me pause for thought when I chuck something in the bin. I'm far from living a perfect eco-friendly lifestyle but
I quite fancy living a life which exercises my creativity for the benefit of this
beautiful planet.
*
My latest book The Hen Party has a little eco twist too...but it's still fun and at just £2.99 for the ebook won't make you feel guilty either!
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