Textile waste is a big problem. Here in the US there is an excess of unwanted clothes that are discarded for one reason or another. Clothes that are in good conditions can be donated and hopefully resold. What about textiles that are worn, stained, or in non-usable conditions? There are textile recycling programs where one can bring these unusable items, however I often wonder what happens to the items. Are they shipped out of the country and taken to some other country where they end up in landfills? In my opinion upcycling is a better solution when possible. With upcycling, new useful items are made from old fabric. Upcycling has the double effect of avoiding the waste and saving resources because it makes us buy less.
Check out here free available items. These items are all upcycled from old clothes that were too worn out to donate or from old household items, such as torn bed sheets or table cloths that were no longer usable. The items are home made and far from perfect, but they do their job.
If anybody needs any item or know anybody who may be interested in the items please contact me.
Produce bags
Reduce use of single-use plastic bags that pollute lands and oceans, reduce landfill waste, avoid purchasing new items shipped from abroad. You benefit the Earth 3 times when you use these drawstring produce bags made from old bed sheets or old T-shirts, washable and reusable. Available for free.
Cat toy mouse
Why purchase imported cat toys when these little toys are easily made from old socks and leftover from old sweaters? I tested them with my own cats and they love them just as much. Available for free.
Potholders
I make potholders from old t-shirts, any piece of fabric, or I cover old burned-out potholders with old fabric. Available for free.
Baby items
Simple baby items can be made from old t-shirts and towels. They can be used multiple times and passed on to reuse as much as possible. Available for free.
Bags
Remove plastic from your every day shopping. If enough fabric is available I make bags that can be used for various shopping needs or to carry around items. Made from old table cloths with lining made from old bed sheets. Available for free.
Mittens and hats
Mittens and hats are made from old sweaters that are too worn out to donate. This sweater had small holes in some parts and the edges had frayed. The mittens have a fleece lining from an old fleece blanket. Available for free.
Placemats
Quilted placemats for everyday use are made from old table clothes or bed sheets. One middle layer can be added from either a piece of fleece or just an additional piece of fabric. Available for free.
Hand painted bookmarks
These hand painted bookmarks are made from the back of already used paper and pizza boxes. They go very fast, so check for what is available. I paint each bookmark about a native plant that sustains wildlife or about the local wildlife. I give these for free to people interested in starting a wildlife garden or (as honor system) in exchange for a small donation of your choice to any charity that sustains wildlife and reforestation efforts.
I add items here as they are available, so come back and check often. Please contact me if you are interested in helping out.
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