Gifts with a Greater Purpose

Repurposed and Up-cycled Materials

It's impossible to ignore the fact that there is a lot of waste produced in the world. And it would be easy to feel guilty about what you consume as a result. Taking steps to reduce consumption is admirable, but at times it can feel like the punishment is measurably worse than the reward.

One answer is buying things made from repurposed and up-cycled materials. 


Fast fashion is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, and 92 million tons of clothes are sent to the landfill every year.


But buying gifts from artists who take something old and make it new, or use the scrap from another process, is a way to encourage a change in the trend. After all, if we do nothing, the apparel industry's global emissions will increase by 50% in only six more years.


If you want to learn more about this problem, check out this article from Earth.Org


In that vein, we've curated some items from artists who refashion new from the old or discarded.

 

Happy Groundhog Studio - Plush animals made from repurposed sweaters

Plush - Pug with Bone Treat by Happy Groundhog Studio

Christine Stoll / Altered Relics - Jewelry made from vintage rhinestones, watch dials, trinkets, and more. 

 

Earrings - Purples - Steel Vintage Rhinestone Dangles (Assorted Styles) by Christine Stoll | Altered Relics
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Earrings - Purples - Steel Vintage Rhinestone Dangles (Assorted Styles) by Christine Stoll | Altered Relics

 Earrings - Silver Cat Watch Dials by Christine Stoll Studio

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Earrings - Silver Cat Watch Dials by Christine Stoll Studio

Necklace - Single Strand Watch Dials - Antiqued Brass by Christine Stoll | Altered Relics

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Necklace - Single Strand Watch Dials - Antiqued Brass by Christine Stoll | Altered Relics

 

Fly Little Bird - Plush animals made from recycled and repurposed cottons, cashmeres, and felts made of plastics

 

Plush - White Rabbit in a Gray Dotted Shirt by Fly Little Bird

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Plush - White Rabbit in a Gray Dotted Shirt by Fly Little Bird

 Plush - Lion in Green-Stripe Shirt by Fly Little Bird

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Plush - Lion in Green-Stripe Shirt by Fly Little Bird

Plush - Elephant in Blue Yellow Plaid Shirt by Fly Little Bird

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Plush - Elephant in Blue Yellow Plaid Shirt by Fly Little Bird

 

Greenbelts - Cat and dog collars made from repurposed leather

Cat Collar - Burgundy with Turquoise Gems by Greenbelts

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Cat Collar - Burgundy with Turquoise Gems by Greenbelts

Dog Collar - S - Pink with Flowers and Gems by GreenbeltsShown above:

Dog Collar - S - Pink with Flowers and Gems by Greenbelts

 

Flowfold - Wallets and pouches made from recycled sailcloth fabric

Wallet - Craftsman Three Pocket (Black Pearl) by Flowfold

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Wallet - Craftsman Three Pocket (Black Pearl) by Flowfold

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Zipper Pouch - Essentialist Utility Pouch (Red Barn) by Flowfold

 Wallet - Minimalist Card Holder - Red - by Flowfold

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Wallet - Minimalist Card Holder - Red - by Flowfold

 

Hats for Healing - Up-cycled jersey fabric hats

Adult Hat - Upcycled Jersey Weekender in Bright Jade with Orange Poppy by Hats for Healing

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Adult Hat - Upcycled Jersey Weekender in Bright Jade with Orange Poppy by Hats for Healing

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Adult Hat - Upcycled Jersey Weekender in Red with Cream Band and Bird by Hats for Healing

 

As you can see there are a lot of beautiful and functional gifts that are made from repurposed and up-cycled items. You can feel good about buying any of these for yourself or someone you love.

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