The Sinterklaas party is not complete without surprises! But did you know that it is not at all necessary to buy new stuff to make a fantastic surprise? With a few smart, sustainable tips, you can make an original surprise that not only steals the show, but is also good for the environment.
1. Use what is there
A sustainable surprise starts by reusing items that are already in the house. Think of cardboard boxes, toilet rolls, magazines, newspapers or empty bottles with no deposit. With a little creativity, you can turn these into the most beautiful surprises. A cardboard box, for example, can easily be transformed into a car, robot or house. Also ask family and friends if they have any spare presents. This way, you don't have to buy anything new and you can give things a second life.
2. Choose recycled craft materials
Do you still need new craft materials? Then choose recycled or reusable materials. For example, recycled paper, cardboard or biodegradable glue. Avoid plastic, polystyrene or tape. And do you need plastic? Then see if you can reuse something, such as an old plastic bottle with no deposit or container.
3. Make divorce simple
A surprise is often a combination of different materials. Make your surprise so that the materials can be easily separated and recycled after unpacking. Many craft materials are recyclable, such as paper and cardboard. But, once they are dyed, glued or combined with other materials, they cannot be recycled. This means that even if you separate waste carefully, dyed or glued crafts have to go with the residual waste. Therefore, try to use techniques that require little or no glue, such as folding or attaching with string. Choose unpainted cardboard, recycled paper or fabrics that can be reused. If you need glue, choose reusable or biodegradable options.
4. Packing without waste
Wrapping the surprise can also be sustainable. Use old newspapers, magazines or scraps of fabric to wrap the surprise. This often looks even more creative than standard wrapping paper. Don't have old paper or fabric at home? Then buy wrapping paper made from recycled material, or use a fabric or jute bag that you can use over and over again.
5. Make the surprise reusable
When making a surprise, also think about what the recipient can still do with it. For example, make a surprise that can be used as a storage box, decoration or toy after St Nicholas.
A sustainable surprise is a gift for the future
By consciously choosing sustainable materials, you will make Sinterklaas a party that is not only fun, but also environmentally friendly. Have fun crafting!
For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips