Sustainable Crafting Supplies: What to Use Instead of Plastic and Synthetic Materials
Craft stores are full of products that work beautifully in the short term — and cause problems in the long term.
Synthetic glitter that microplasticizes waterways. Foam sheets that never biodegrade. Plastic-handled tools wrapped in more plastic packaging.
The good news: for almost every conventional craft supply, there's a more sustainable alternative that performs just as well — and in many cases, better. Here's a practical breakdown of the most common swaps, organized by supply category.
"The most sustainable craft supply purchase is often the one you don't make — borrow, repurpose, or source secondhand first."
— Dr. Destini Copp, HobbyScoolGlitter: The Most Famous Problem in Eco-Crafting
Conventional glitter is made from microplastics — tiny pieces of plastic film too small to be filtered by water treatment systems. They end up in rivers, oceans, and the food chain.
The swap: biodegradable glitter made from plant cellulose. It behaves similarly to conventional glitter, catches light beautifully, and breaks down naturally. Look for brands that specify "plant-based" or "cosmetic-grade biodegradable" — "eco-friendly" alone can be vague.
Other natural shimmer alternatives:
- Mica powder (a natural mineral)
- Crushed dried botanicals like lavender or rose petals for texture-based shimmer
- Gold or copper leaf for high-end metallic effects
Paper and Cardstock
Not all paper is created equal. Conventional paper production is resource-intensive and often uses chlorine bleaching that produces harmful byproducts.
The swap: look for FSC-certified paper, which means the wood pulp comes from responsibly managed forests. Recycled content paper is even better — post-consumer recycled paper uses fiber that's already been through the system once. For specialty projects, seed paper and handmade paper from upcycled cotton or denim are beautiful sustainable options.
Adhesives: Glue, Tape, and Mod Podge
Many conventional adhesives contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that off-gas during use and are problematic to dispose of. Hot glue creates plastic waste. Double-sided tape is almost entirely non-recyclable.
Natural Starch-Based Adhesives
Work for many paper crafts and are completely biodegradable. Wheat paste (flour and water) is a traditional bookbinding and papier-mâché adhesive that's fully compostable.
✅ Best for: paper crafts, bookbinding, papier-mâchéBeeswax
A natural adhesive and water repellent with multiple uses in eco-crafting. Completely natural, biodegradable, and doubles as a fabric stiffener.
✅ Best for: fabric projects, waterproofing, wrapsWater-Based Low-VOC Adhesives
For projects that need stronger bonds, look for water-based, low-VOC options. Avoid aerosol sprays — they're among the highest-VOC products in the craft aisle.
✅ Best for: mixed media, heavier materialsFabric and Fiber
Synthetic fabrics — polyester, acrylic, nylon — shed microplastics every time they're washed and don't biodegrade at end of life. Conventional cotton is water-intensive and often heavily treated with pesticides.
The swap: for new fabric purchases, look for organic cotton, linen (one of the most sustainable natural fibers), wool, hemp, or TENCEL/Lyocell (made from wood pulp using a closed-loop process).
Secondhand fabric. Thrift stores, fabric swap groups, and your own existing clothing and linens are an abundant source of high-quality fabric at zero environmental cost. The most sustainable yard of fabric is the one already in existence.
Paint
Conventional acrylic paint contains plastic polymers — it can't go down the drain or in regular trash. Oil paints often require solvents for cleanup.
The swap:
- Natural milk paint — made from casein (milk protein), lime, and natural pigments. Genuinely biodegradable, beautiful chalky finish, ideal for furniture and home decor
- Watercolor in pan form — one of the lower-impact painting mediums, especially with minimal packaging
- Natural plant dyes — onion skins, avocado pits, turmeric, indigo. Deeply satisfying and completely non-toxic for fabric dyeing
Foam and Structural Materials
Craft foam, Styrofoam, and synthetic batting are all petroleum-derived and essentially immortal in a landfill.
The swap:
- Corrugated cardboard — a surprisingly versatile structural material that takes paint well and can be layered for thickness
- Wool or cotton batting — natural replacements for synthetic fiberfill
- Cork sheets — a renewable material harvested from cork oak bark without harming the tree; excellent for stamps, backing, and pinboards
Tools and Hardware
The most sustainable tool purchase is no purchase at all. Borrow from crafting friends, buy secondhand at estate sales and thrift stores, or invest in higher-quality tools that last decades rather than cheap versions you replace every year.
When you do buy new, look for tools with wooden or metal handles rather than plastic — and brands that offer repair services or replacement parts.
Explore More at the Eco-Creative Summit
The HobbyScool Eco-Creative Summit (April 21–23, 2026) includes workshops that put these sustainable materials into practice — including a hands-on session on DIY Beeswax Wraps and Sustainable Kitchen Swaps that shows you exactly how natural materials perform in real projects.
Join us April 21–23 to learn, create, and connect with a community that takes both craft and planet seriously.
Free Virtual Summit — Craft with the Planet in Mind
Three days of live workshops on sustainable making, upcycled projects, zero-waste techniques, and eco-conscious creative practices. Free and open to all.
Register Free →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — plant-cellulose biodegradable glitter catches light very similarly to conventional glitter. Look for brands that specify "cosmetic-grade biodegradable" for the best performance and shiniest results.
Paper is the most painless starting point. Switching to FSC-certified or post-consumer recycled cardstock requires no change in technique and is widely available at most craft stores.
It has a slightly different application than acrylic, but most crafters find it very approachable. It dries to a chalky matte finish and is particularly beautiful on wood and furniture projects.
Not at all. The most practical approach is to replace supplies with more sustainable alternatives as they run out — one swap at a time adds up quickly without the overwhelm or waste of discarding what you already have.
Yes — the HobbyScool Eco-Creative Summit is completely free. Register with your email to get access to all three days of live workshops, April 21–23, 2026.
