People are becoming more conscious of their impact on the
environment. More people are striving toward a zero-waste lifestyle and handmade
sellers are rising to the cause. It is easier for handmade sellers to reduce
packaging waste and the use of plastic in packaging than it is for big
retailers to do so. The big retailers have large quantities of products sitting
on shelves and thousands of customers going through the store daily. They must
have some way of ensuring consumers safety so having things like soap without a plastic wrap or a box leaves it open for contamination. This is where handmade
sellers have an advantage. The majority of them run their business mostly
online and do a few craft shows a year. This means they have more control over
their product and less possibility of contamination. Let’s look at some
eco-friendly handmade items you can start using to reduce your waste.
Our first is handmade beeswax wraps. Christine Schmidt of
Urban Evergreen has turned her love of fabric into helping with reduced waste.
These food wraps can be used for anything you would use plastic wrap for with
the exception of raw meats. They are washable in cold water, cling well, and so
much prettier than plastic wrap. You can get colors that match your kitchen and
seasonal as well.
She offers 3 set options: A Master Set of 6, a Starter Set
of 4, and a Snack Pack of 5.
Check out her Etsy store to learn more.
Another item people are using to reduce waste is shampoo
bars. Stephanie Timmerman of Kind Life Essentials. She has a love of all things
natural and enjoys passing her passion on to her customers with quality natural
and eco-friendly products. Her shampoo bars are made with all-natural
ingredients that will help strengthen your hair and make it altogether
healthier.
She offers other natural products as well.
Check out her Etsy
store to learn more.
Our last item is for our candle lovers out there. I make all-natural
soy candles and melts. I use 100% soy wax, cotton wicks, and phthalate free
fragrances or essential oils. Our candles are poured into mason jars that are
recycled when possible and we offer a discount for recycling our jars for
refilling. Our wax melts while currently in the plastic clamshells will be done
without when the supply of containers I have is exhausted. Several of our home décor
items are also made from recycled materials as well.
You can visit our Etsy store to learn more.
If you are moving toward a more eco-friendly natural lifestyle consider searching Etsy for a handmade version first. Not only are you helping the environment by buying handmade you are also reducing manufacturing pollutants.
