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Not so long ago, the basic skills needed for repairing and refurbishing – such as sewing, knitting, woodworking and metalworking – were taught in schools. But teaching these crafts is out of  fashion. Anyone over the age of 40 today could have used these skills to make, presents for their parents and would have known how to handle small repairs; that fashion is not always readymade by big brands, but that it is possible to create and sew our own clothes, adapt and alter them, repair them, or replace a button.

For the younger generations today, this knowledge is nearly lost. In a UK survey every fourth respondent said they couldn’t sew on a button; every second couldnt repair a hole or fix a seam. Designer and founder of “Fashion Revolution” Orsola Castro knows why: “because of ubiquitous fast fashion a whole generation has lost these abilities”. In the 1980s, followers of the post-punk scene still expressed their individuality by designing and adapting their own clothes. These days, there are prefabricated versions of this streetwise trendy “look” at every fashion discount store.

Photo by Anna Dziubinska on Unsplash

Consumerism – a vicious cycle

It is difficult to escape the vicious cycle that has been set in motion by the modern consumer society. First of all, cheap products made it unnecessary to make do and mend. Next, we lost our respect for things and the necessary knowledge to maintain them. Now we have lost all our inhibitions about buying greater numbers of new products and using them for ever shorter periods of time. This throwaway culture now is evident in the “fast fashion” phenomenon and in many other everyday products such as electronics, interior design, toys and household goods.

Consumerism is killing our planet. It’s heating up the climate, using too much fossil energy, destroying habitats and landscapes and peoples livelihoods. It is not only nature that is paying the price for this, but the millions of people working in often life-threatening and exploitative conditions.

Photo by Dominik Scythe on Unsplash

But we can MAKE CHANGE NOW

People in sewing- and repair cafes, DIY communities, urban gardens, makerspaces and fab-labs from around the world are proving that many people have the desire to create something with their own hands – and that it is easier to do it, if we share the resources, materials and tools for this in communal spaces.

Anyone who once crafted a table or a bed himself will think twice before buying a flimsy flat pack from a Swedish furniture store. Anyone who has knitted a jumper out of real wool will  avoid cheap polyester knitwear. And those who have planted a few lettuce heads in their garden, cherished them and defended them against snails, will be reluctant to throw food away – because they know how hard it can be to grow.

If you have made something, you will buy more consciously the next time, whether it’s food, fashion or mobile phones. Your experience of creating an original, will lead you to reflect on your consumption patterns and you will be more likely to find a way to repair, care for and share your goods before throwing them out. Its essential that we share this culture in our communities and make these spaces where skills, knowledge and experiences are shared an essential part of our urban life.

Making meets tech

We are not advocating a return to a time before modern technology where we would produce everything ourselves. This wouldn’t be feasible – but the maker community that has developed in fab labs and maker spaces around the world proves that DIY, the internet and the latest tech are part of the same movement. Modern technologies can connect us with lots of tutorials, knowledge and experiences that can be shared widely with communities around the globe. There are online communities such as Shareable and Instructables that provide us with easy to follow guidelines on how to make and share things. Follow our Instagram channel @makesmthng for further inspiration and to connect with makers around the globe.

These offline and online communities are invaluable platforms for acquiring and sharing knowledge and skills. Thus, they counteract the loss of craftsmanship – and  throw a spanner in the works of the throwaway society.

 

Lu Yen Roloff is the comms lead for the MAKE SMTHNG campaign at Greenpeace. She firmly believes in the power of connecting makers from around the globe to help fight overconsumption. She is totally in love with all the creative ideas from the movement and pledges to spend quieter times to DIY the hell out of the dark winter days! You can follow Lu Yen on Instagram @i.do.lu, Facebook luyenroloff or Twitter @lyroloff

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Are you asking yourself how to turn your kitchen zero waste? Look no further.

I am going to show you the easiest zero waste swaps which you can easily integrate into your everyday life as well as DIY recipes for non-toxic homemade products. They are cheaper and healthier for you and your body as well as the environment. So it is a win-win-situation for everyone!

Zero waste for me is a bout becoming more aware of the products that you buy and make mindful and minimalist decisions with every purchase. Ask yourself: “Do I really need this or can I get this second hand?” And when reading my tips please remember you can simply use up the products you already have now until they are done and then buy the zero waste alternative next time you need new items. By any means please do not throw away all non-sustainable plastic products now!

A general tip is to avoid single-use disposables in general as a rule of thumb. Use reusables instead. And it is important to realise that recycling is not the answer to plastic pollution and the rubbish accumulation in general. I see it as the minimum requirement and the actual solution is reshaping our relationship with consumption.

1. Keep mason jars and reuse them

We tend to forget that we not only buy products but also the packaging they come with. It is not the company paying for the packaging – it is YOU. And you then pay the local waste management facility fees to collect that packaging in your rubbish collection. So considering that a proportion of the price I pay is solely for the packaging I might as well make use of that if I can. A good example for this are mason jars. You can obviously go out and buy all the fancy mason jars but to be honest you probably get them with most of your food shopping already – if you like it or not. So make use of them as food containers, for DIY cosmetics, for candles etc. Or collect them and give them away via an online marketplace. Gift them to a kindergarten for arts and crafts, they also appreciate empty toilet paper rolls, tins, and corks. Think outside the box and you will end up with tons of great ideas on how to reuse mason jars.

 

2. Using wooden or metal utensils

Switch to using wooden or metal utensils instead of plastic ones. Firstly, they last a lot longer than plastic ones. Secondly, they do not contain any toxic chemicals. And thirdly, wood and metal can be recycled as materials and therefore live on and be turned into something else afterwards. Check with your local waste management facility how to correctly recycle them in order for them to be reused as this differs greatly from country to country and actually even city to city.

 

 

 

 3. Avoid buying over-packaged products and use produce bags

This does not require you to go to a bulk store – although that would be great if available to you. You can simply become more aware when out shopping. Next time you are in the supermarket go for the unpackaged carrots instead of the packaged ones. Maybe consider bringing your own produce bag which you can simply make from old fabrics or use a cotton bag. Just try and pay attention to what you buy and consider if there is a less packaged alternative. That alone will already make a big difference and have a huge positive impact!

 

 

 

 

4. Use a tea strainer

Reduce your waste by not using single-use tea bags but a tea strainer with lose tea instead. They come in all shapes and sizes as well as materials like fabric or stainless steel.

 

 

5. Using straws made of stainless steel or glass

Plastic straws are one of the main plastic pollutants today and there is no need for single-use items like them. Straws made out of stainless steel or glass are beautiful to look at, last nearly forever and again, do not contain harmful toxins and on top do not produce any waste. Simply clean them with the little brush they come with and reuse them!

 

 

6. Use a fabric cloth instead of paper towels

This is a great upcycling project because you definitely have an old jumper lying around somewhere waiting to be cut into fabric cloths. They can easily replace single-use paper towels and also look prettier.

 7. Use beeswax food wrap

Instead of using foil or cling film use reusable beeswax to wrap your food. This is a great zero waste product which you do not necessarily have to buy but can simply make yourself at home from things you already have lying around. Everything you need is some old fabric, beeswax, jojoba oil (or any other carrier oil), and an oven. They also make for a great personalised present!

 

8. Make your own non-toxic cleaning products

Instead of buying ten different products claiming to be for ten different purposes, just make an all-purpose vinegar cleaner yourself. And I promise you it will not even take a minute to prepare. Two options. Number one is to simply pour white vinegar in a jar and add some essential oils of your liking and use straight away. Alternatively fill a jar with any citrus fruit peel and cover entirely with white vinegar and then let it sit for two weeks before use. For increased cleaning effect use two to three drops of any biodegradable liquid soap. If you are hardcore you can obviously use vinegar on its own but most people dread the smell of it.

 

 

9. Use wooden and metal brushes and sponges

As with the wooden utensils these last longer and can be recycled. Steel wool is great for pots and pans and wooden brushes can be composted. Veggie brushes are great for reducing food scrap waste. Simply use them to brush fruit and veg clean instead of peeling them.

 

 

 

 

10. DIY dishwasher powder recipe

Simply mix the following ingredients together and it is immediately ready to use:

200 gr baking soda
200 gr washing soda
200 gr citric acid
100 gr table salt

Remember to be inspired by all the different zero waste swaps and not be scared of them. Zero waste is a journey and it should not be rushed – otherwise you reach the end way too soon and miss out on all the fun along the way! So pick whatever suits you the most first and then go step by step and add more and more aspects to your daily routine. That way you avoid being overwhelmed and lose your motivation. You can make the world a better place and bring about change – you just have to start with yourself.

 

 

My credo is “Not everyone has to do everything but everyone can to something.” Lead by example and inspire others to become more aware as well!

Ask yourself and others the question: “Where does my rubbish actually go?” Finding the answer to this question will send you on an interesting journey. It has definitely done it for me at least and I hope you will follow me on this so unbelievably rewarding path of creating instead of consuming.

Please do not hesitate to contact me through social media or my website with any questions you might have – I am more than happy to help out where I can.

 

 

 

Marlena Sdrenka is the founder of Zero Waste Plant Power, an organisation that aims to increase awareness for a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle for everyone. She gives advice on her blog and on her Facebook and Instagram on how to incorporate more sustainable routines into your everyday lives by buying products with less packaging for instance. Moreover she gives talks and holds workshops to reach as many people as possible and raise awareness of the consequences of plastic pollution and other ongoing sustainability issues. Her approach is to go back to the old ways a bit, think about what our grandparents used to clean and make food, as we have unfortunately lost our sense for that. Therefore she provides information on how to make your own cleaning products, cosmetics and other handy things in the household. They are therefore non-toxic, mainly plastic-free, fun to make and also cheaper than conventional products.

 

 

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The holiday season is in full swing—and holiday ads are all in our faces, fighting for our attention and, let’s be real for a moment here, for our money. It’s the biggest annual shop-till-you-drop season! But is that really what we want this season to be about?

This year, I have partnered with Greenpeace in the inaugural MAKE SMTHNG WEEK (December 2nd to 10th), a worldwide event focused on reducing our collective footprint this holiday season. Personally, I think the holiday season should not be about the presents, but about giving back. The Make Smthng Week wants to encourage and inspire you and all the other compassionate people out there to reduce your consumption by creating, upcycling, repairing, sharing, and practicing zero-waste. Why waste our already scarce resources on producing more and more new stuff, right? You can also find events close to you at www.makesmthng.org.

There are many great festive ideas that are lighter on our planet, some of which I have compiled here. One of the gift ideas is to gift homemade consumables. This all-natural body butter is easy to make and very good for every skin type. What’s there not to like about a luxurious gift made with love?

All-Natural Whipped Body Butter Recipe (vegan)

Ingredients
  • 60 g shea butter
  • 90 g coconut oil
  • 15 g olive oil
  • 15 g canola or grape seed oil
  • 2 drops of essential tea tree oil
  • 3 drops of essential lavender oil
Directions

1. Put all the oils except for the essential oils into a jar and melt it. I just put it into the microwave for 10 seconds each time and stir in between, but you can also melt it in a double broiler. (pic #1-3)

2. Add essential oils.

3. Let it cool to room temperature and then pop it into the freezer for an hour. (pic #4)

4. Use a hand mixer and whip until fluffy. (pic #5-6)

5. If it is too soft, like in picture #7, just pop it into the freezer for another 30-60 minutes and whip again.

6. Put in a repurposed jar. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl clean with a spatula! #wastenotwantnot


Shia Su is a blogger and publisher of Wasteland Rebel. For more creative DIY ideas, follow her on Instagram.

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MAKE SMTHNG Week is about taking action for a better world.

From Black Friday, Nov 23 till December 2nd, at the start of the holiday shopping season, we want to invite you to make something with us. In cities around the world, makers are gathering to demonstrate how we can unite to create unique alternatives to buying something new.

We are calling all DIY mavens, minimalists, vegans and vegetarians, upcyclers, swappers, sewers, crafters and zero wasters – you’re all invited to join Greenpeace in collaboration with #breakfreefromplasticFashion RevolutionShareable, the Fab City Global Initiative and the Fab Lab community, Arts Thread and many others to inspire you to make the most of our resources.

Many of you have already started to rediscover the art, craft and joy of making: cooking, mending clothes, fixing electronics, upcycling used goods, growing your own food. You’re making your own cosmetics; cleaning with vinegar and baking soda, ditching plastic and sharing your clothes, bikes and homes with each other. MAKE SMTHNG Week is your showcase for creative, innovative and unique alternatives to shopping something new.

Why?

Because we are buying too much stuff. There are billions of people on this planet who all shop for food, fashion and technology. To produce many of the goods we use, companies are contributing to climate change, destroying forests and polluting our oceans.

The amount of waste we create is mind-boggling. Every piece of plastic produced in the last 60 years still exists. As things get cheaper with planned obsolescence built in, we throw them away more often. In our consumerist societies, shopping counts for more than preserving things.

 

Plastic waste collected in Germany 

We buy twice as many clothes as we did 20 years ago, and wear them for half as long. It’s now cheaper to buy new things than to repair them. Even though our technology is advanced enough to instantly connect all corners of the world, we still can’t repair our mobile phones.

We need to shift from a throw-away culture to one where we value things again. We envision a world where we make the most of our resources. Each of us can take small actions in our everyday lives that together create a monumental change.

Make it last

Clothes Swapping Party in Germany

Instead of buying fast fashion and throwing it out after wearing it a few times, we can make our clothes last by caring for them and repairing them. To turn away from mindless consumerism, we can stop supporting companies which produce phones that can’t be repaired or have replaceable elements and start fixing things again.

When we replace meat with vegan or vegetarian alternatives, we turn away from the most inefficient way of feeding the world’s population. And whenever we bring a reusable bag and say no to single-use plastic and polyester fashion, we are preventing another piece of plastic from polluting our planet’s oceans and beaches.

Help us change the story of hyperconsumption: MAKE SMTHNG and MAKE CHANGE!

 

 

Lu Yen Roloff is the comms lead for the MAKE SMTHNG campaign at Greenpeace. She firmly believes in the power of connecting makers from around the globe to help fight overconsumption. She is totally in love with all the creative ideas from the movement and pledges to spend quieter times to DIY the hell out of the dark winter days! You can follow Lu Yen on Instagram @i.do.lu, Facebook luyenroloff or Twitter @lyroloff