Green Etsy Finds
Etsy is cool. It’s easy to get addicted to their handmade goods. Some of their green goods are questionable; such as recycled sweater coffee cup sleeves (um, why use paper cups anyway), but many of the items you’ll find are very cool. Like…
Green Handkerchief: Nice for a reusable handkerchief. 100% cotton and vintage to boot. Adorable design and so much less waste than using paper based tissues.
This is one reusable item I’m a little concerned with, mainly because I always wonder about the overall germ issues - and believe me, I’m not germ-a-phobic or anything. But when you’re sick you don’t feel like washing a million cloth handkerchiefs. Cedar’s dad is a big user of cloth handkerchiefs and they work well for him but I’m not sure they work well for Cedar when he’s sick. He tosses them everywhere (ick). That said, it’s a ridiculous use of paper to use traditional tissue. I suppose this is something I should look at. When I was a kid, my mom made everyone use old cloth diapers as tissue - which yes, is pretty green, what with re-use and all, but I didn’t like the germ issues then either.
I love this fresh reusable grocery / anything bag. I’d use it for lots of stuff. It’s way cute and of course cuts down on your paper and plastic bag use. This one is burlap, zig zag stitched (no fraying), and does have handles - you just can’t see them in the photo.
According to the seller, these Seedeaters Gift Cards are, “Hand made using collected and rescued fabric with hand drawn details. The card used is between 75 and 100 percent recycled, the majority of which is post consumer waste paper. The envelopes, are 100% recycled.”
I’m not the biggest fan of cards in almost any form - just because it’s got to be one of the least earth friendly ways to send love and caring. However, once in a while I will send a card with a letter inside (to make use of the space) and Cedar and I will make them out of recycled goods. But, I just couldn’t resist this adorable bird design. If you send a recycled card try to write more than just your name. Make the card something full of happy thoughts - in my mind that can help to offset the energy it takes to send a card and the paper use.
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POSTED IN: Birthdays, Craft Projects, Earth Friendly Gift Guide, Recycled Goods, Reuse, Shop Green
4 opinions for Green Etsy Finds
Julie
Feb 21, 2008 at 11:13 am
Try soaking your handkerchiefs in vinegar, then drying without rinsing. It will help kill any germs in the cloth. Um, I meant soaking the ones you think are clean in vinegar, heh. Not the snotty ones.
Also, vinegar in the rinse cycle will soften them and help eliminate any leftover bugs.
Jennifer
Feb 21, 2008 at 11:34 am
It’s not the getting them clean part that worries me.
It’s the use it, stick it in your pocket, use it again deal that bugs me.
I barely use soap in my laundry - in micro (college) I learned that water, enough water kills most stuff - except blood borne items.
PS I HATE vinegar. I know it’s the darling of green cleaners everywhere. But it makes me want to hurl.
Julie
Feb 21, 2008 at 2:37 pm
LOL, I never said it smelled sweet. Lemon or orange juice is pretty effective. Not a fan of the smell, either.
But, yeah, boogers in the pocket is nasty.
Peggy
Feb 21, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Jennifer,
Did you know that some people use vinegar as a fabric softener? I’ve experimented with it recently, but not sure what I think yet. I’m worried about it on all fabrics. I tested on towels.
Michael also uses hankies. Maybe it’s more of a man thing. I can’t seem to make myself use them.
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