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
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Plush - Elephant with Choco Chip Cookie Treat by Happy Groundhog Studio
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Plush - Goat with Carrot by Happy Groundhog Studio
Christine Stoll / Altered Relics - Jewelry made from vintage rhinestones, watch dials, trinkets, and more.
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Earrings - Silver Cat Watch Dials by Christine Stoll Studio
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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
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Plush - White Rabbit in a Gray Dotted Shirt by Fly Little Bird
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Plush - Lion in Green-Stripe 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
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Cat Collar - Burgundy with Turquoise Gems by Greenbelts
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Dog Collar - S - Pink with Flowers and Gems by Greenbelts
Flowfold - Wallets and pouches made from recycled sailcloth fabric
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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
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Wallet - Minimalist Card Holder - Red - by Flowfold
Hats for Healing - Up-cycled jersey fabric hats
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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.