13 Ways to be an Eco-friendly Knitter
We are constantly searching for ways, especially in Florida, to reduce our environmental footprint while indulging in our favorite pastime, knitting! This is especially in our face today, April 22nd, as we celebrate Earth Day. Check out 10 ways to knit more sustainably and become an eco-friendly fiber artist.
Ways Knitters Can be More Sustainable
Every knitter, including me, plays a part in helping the environment while knitting away. Here are some pretty simple ways you can be a more sustainable knitter.
#1 Choose Eco-friendly Yarn
Opt for yarn made from natural, renewable fibers such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, linen, or wool from ethically raised animals. You can also choose yarn recycled from plastics. These fibers have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic yarns from fossil fuels. I mention some of these yarns in my 5 Lightweight Yarns Perfect for Summer Knitting Projects article.
#2 Support Local Yarn Shops
Reduce the carbon footprint of your yarn by purchasing locally sourced and dyed yarn from independent yarn shops or artisans in your area. Not only does this support your local economy, but it also cuts down on transportation emissions associated with shipping yarn long distances. Check out 11 Florida yarn dyers and 23 Florida LYSs (local yarn stores) to find one near you if you're a Floridian like me.
#3 Upcycle Yarn
Instead of buying new yarn for every project, consider unraveling old sweaters or thrift store finds to reclaim yarn. This practice, known as yarn recycling or upcycling, gives new life to unused materials and reduces waste. One of my daughters and I are heading to the thrift store today (the day I am writing this) and you better believe I'll have my eyes peeled for yarn garments I may be able to upcycle.
#4 Use Eco-friendly Dyes
If you enjoy dyeing your own yarn, opt for natural or low-impact dyes made from plant extracts or food waste. These dyes are less harmful to the environment and produce beautiful, earthy hues. You can also seek out yarn dyers who use eco-friendly processes and dyes. In Florida, check out these 11 Florida yarn dyers.
#5 Reduce Packaging Waste
Look for yarn brands that use minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials. Also, buying yarn in bulk or skeins without individual plastic wrappers reduces waste.
#6 Knit with Intent
Before casting on a new project, take the time to plan and choose patterns that align with your values of sustainability. Select timeless designs that you'll wear for years to come, rather than trendy pieces that may quickly go out of style. Knit reusable items like grocery bags or cup cozies to avoid getting new ones every time you go to the coffee shop or the grocery store.
#7 Practice Zero Waste Knitting
Minimize yarn waste by using up scraps and leftovers in smaller projects such as hats, mittens, or striped designs. You can also join yarn scraps together to create unique, multicolored yarns for one-of-a-kind projects.
#8 Care for Your Handmade Items
Extend the lifespan of your knitted garments by caring for them properly. Hand wash items when possible using eco-friendly detergents, and air dry them to save energy and prevent unnecessary wear and tear from machine drying.
#9 Educate & Inspire Others
Share your passion for eco-friendly knitting with fellow crafters and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices in their own projects. By spreading awareness and knowledge, you can help create a community of environmentally conscious knitters dedicated to preserving the planet one stitch at a time.
Also, consider doing a yarn and supply swap. My knitting and crcoheting group here in Florida hosts one every once in a while and so do our local libraries. I picked up a complete set of double-pointed needles and bamboo straight knitting needles and a bunch of yarn from my last swap.
#10 Knit!
Knitting is a sustainable process so good for your fellow knitter, you're already doing your part (and I am already doing mine) by doing what we love -- knitting! It's part of slow fashion. You're opting out of fast fashion by knitting garments for you and others to wear. Fast fashion is an extremely unsustainable system and the process harms the environment and the industry does not always treat its workers well or provide a safe working environment for them.
#11 Use Up Your Yarn Stash
Find ways to use up your existing yarn stash. I currently add my leftover yarn balls to my scrappy blanket project, which much like it sounds, is simply adding my leftover scraps to my blanket project. Scrappy socks, hats and belts are some other options. You can also use this leftover yarn to knit small items that don't require a lot of yarn like hair scrunchies.
#12 Reuse Swatch Yarn
Unravel your test swatches to reuse the yarn. You can add it to your scrappy project, use it for small color change areas or work it into a project where you are using the same yarn.
#13 Use Sustainable Needles & Notions
Choose knitting needles made from bamboo, sustainably sourced woods and recycled plastics. Bamboo (My Clover Takumi bamboo straight needles are actually some of my favorite needles to knit with. Second only to my Chiaogoo Red Twist stainless steel interchangeable needles.) is a highly renewable resource. Recycled materials have a lower carbon footprint compared to newly manufactured materials so using knitting needles made of recycled plastic, metal, and reclaimed wood help reduce waste and protect the environment.
By making mindful choices in the materials we use and the projects we undertake, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly knitting community. So, pick up your needles, choose your yarn wisely, and let's knit our way to a greener future!
Happy knitting!