8 Tips on a Sustainable Book Week Costume

    By
    Jacky Barker
    -

    Book Week is coming, and if you have seen the War on Waste, you will know how we throw away wearable clothes.

    This Book Week, pledge not to buy any costumes and try to make a recycled or sustainable costume.

    Dress Up costumes are usually discarded after one use.

    Creating a sustainable book week costume is a great way to celebrate your favourite literary characters while minimizing environmental impact. Here are some steps and ideas to help you make a sustainable costume:

    Here are Eight Tips for A Sustainable Book Week Costume

    Borrow a Costume

    Put a call out on your Facebook page or ITC Lane Cove Chat, or a freecycle page for a costume

    Op Shops

    Check out the local op shops for some bargains.  One year ITC made a Shaun the Sheep Costume By turning a wool lined jacket inside out and then making a mask with cotton wool balls – I grabbed the jack from a local op shop and then donated it back after the event.

    Upcycle

    Look for items you already have at home that can be repurposed to create your costume. Old clothes, fabrics, and accessories can often be transformed into new outfits with a bit of creativity.

    This Thing 1 costume was made from clothes that we had at home – we did buy the wig (but that was all).  We made sure the Thing 1 sign covered the logo on the shirt.

    Natural and Eco-Friendly Materials

    If you need to purchase new materials, opt for sustainable and eco-friendly options such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, or other renewable resources. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, which are less environmentally friendly.

    Miss ITC dressed up as Dumbledore, and instead of buying a synthetic beard, I made a beard out of wool (I did want to make it out of Mr Doggy ITC’s hair that we get when we brush him, but that was a hard NO).

    Avoid Single-Use Items

    Try to avoid using disposable items like plastic props or accessories. Instead, use durable and reusable materials.

    Biodegradable Glitter and Paint

    If your costume requires glitter or face paint, use biodegradable options to reduce microplastic pollution.

    Use Recycled Materials

    Incorporate recycled materials into your costume design. For example, use cardboard or paper to create props or embellishments.

    Sustainable Props

    If your character requires props, try to make them using sustainable materials like cardboard, wood, or metal.

    By following these tips, you can create a unique and sustainable book week costume that showcases your favourite literary characters while reducing your environmental impact. Remember, the key is to be creative and resourceful with the materials you have or choose to purchase.

    Cover Photo: Instagram @njfirth

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