Simple ways to make your knitting more sustainable

Lackenduff Shawl

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking about the big changes when it comes to sustainability. To focus on the cars we drive, the flights we take (or don’t), the food we eat. But as others have repeatedly said, millions of people taking millions of tiny actions can have a significant impact, even if those changes are really, really tiny.

And our crafting and hobbies are no exception. Yes you can go for the full-on, raise your own sheep, spin your own yarn approach, but for most people that’s simply not realistic. Instead it is far better to focus on tiny changes that you can implement gradually and in doing so have a consistent, cumulative and positive effect on the environment.

A few simple things to think about - and all of these are just suggestions to get the ball rolling. If they don’t resonate with you that’s totally fine.

1. Air miles. Using yarn that hasn’t been shipped halfway around the world is an obvious starting point. Yarn produced in your own country will have less of a carbon impact and if it is produced close to you then so much the better.

2. Support producers who are actively trying to reduce plastic use and who are committed to reducing their carbon impact. Most reputable sellers will include this information on their websites and if in doubt you can always ask them. Eden Cottage Yarns here in the UK is very forthright for example about the fact they are committed to being as plastic free as possible and all of their goods are shipped in recyclable paper products.

3. When buying yarn tell the vendor you don’t want or need the additional ‘treats’ that are often included and which often just get thrown away. Sweeties, teabags, pens etc are rarely needed and just add to waste. Do you really need yet another organza bag with your purchase or a tube of sweets?

4. Use what you have. It seems as though we often forget the simple ‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ mantra but it’s effective for a reason. Shopping from your stash first before hitting the online cart, or maybe frogging something you never wear and reusing the yarn are both far more environmentally supportive actions than buying new. Also consider a yarn swap party with friends if you feel that your stash needs a freshen up.

5. Avoiding acrylic yarns is always a slightly contentious one to include, being mindful of everyone’s budgets and constraints. Using natural fibres is a more sustainable choice, in general, but some of the processing required commercially to turn banana fibre into yarn (for example) is extremely intensive and arguably as environmentally damaging as the production of acrylic fibres especially if the former is shipped from overseas. It is a delicate balancing act and not as simple as ‘avoid acrylic’. It pays to do your research as a consumer and find out exactly where your yarn comes from and how it is made, and not to assume that something labelled natural is automatically better. In addition many yarn brands now are looking at making yarn from recycled fibres and some of these are well worth a look.

There is no denying that it is a complex area and it is tempting to just throw up your hands and do nothing. There are no shortage of people who will jump in to criticise your choices anyway or to point out that you are ‘typing this on your smart phone’.

Anything to do with climate change has a habit of attracting the naysayers who segue seamlessly from ‘our changes are too small to make an impact’ to ‘well, it’s too late to do anything about it anyway’.

It isn’t too late.

Any change however small is helpful.

We can all play a part.

What tiny changes have you made in your knitting? Do let me know in the comments and let’s share our ideas and contributions.

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