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Is crochet biodegradable? (5 ways to make crochets more eco-friendly)

By Our Lovely Earth
Page last updated: 12/26/2022 | Next review date: 12/26/2024
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Our Lovely Earth
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The article will talk about the biodegradability and composting of crochets while also shedding light on ways to make it more eco-friendly and sustainable. 

Is crochet biodegradable?

The answer varies on the type of material used for crochets. If the choice is natural and organic material then it is a big happy yes, and if the material used in synthetic such as acrylics then there will be no biodegradation in this case. 

Biodegradation is the breakdown that is caused by microbes such as bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses et cetera. Biodegradation works when microbes degrade the material by ingesting it. 

The result is that products and materials are translated into simpler materials that can become a part of nature again. However, this only happens when materials are made from natural and organic materials. 

If crochets do not include the use of natural and organic material and also do not detest the indulgence of synthetic dyes, the microbes will not degrade crochets and thus crochets will not be termed biodegradable. 

Can you put crochets in the compost heap?

In many ways, biodegradation and composting travel parallel. The rule of thumb is that when something is biodegradable, it is also more likely to be compostable. 

The main reason why something is composted is when the organic content needs to be increased so that there are environmental benefits offered such as better yield, more growth, and water conservation, to name a few. 

Only those materials can be composted that are natural, non-toxic, and have organic content to offer. Therefore, it can be stanced that only those crochets can be put into compost bins that are made from natural and organic sources and are not treated with synthetic dyes or chemicals. 

Once you have made sure that it is the case, you may follow the given steps to have crochets composted at home: 

  • Select a suitable place for composting 
  • The place should be a bit distant from your home but should also be accessible
  • Shred compostable material into smaller pieces (if required) 
  • Make a heap of compostable material (crochets along with other compostable material)
  • You may either do it openly or prefer a composting bin (which is usually preferred in the case of hot composting) 
  • While making the heap, be careful of the green-to-brown ratio. Green material means nitrogen-rich material such as leaves whereas brown material means carbon-rich material such as cardboard boxes. Crochets will be a nitrogen source in this case. 
  • Make alternate layers of green and brown. After each duo, add a thin layer of soil. Keep up until you have 4 feet of the heap. 
  • Continuously mix (every 4-5 days) the heap and be sure to provide the right external conditions which include aeration, shade and appropriate temperature
  • Once the compost is ready, use it resourcefully and wisely 

Is crochet eco-friendly or not? (5 ways to make crochets more eco-friendly)

The answer to this question varies subjectively because it really boils down to the consumer inclinations that define and give the verdict regarding the eco-friendliness of crochets. 

For example, crochets made from natural and organic fibres will definitely be eco-friendly but if crochets are made from non-natural fibres, then people will be reluctant to call crochets eco-friendly. 

However, one relief here is that crochets are generally more sustainable than the fast fashion industry because of several obvious reasons. It is an old-school knitting method which does little harm if some eco-friendly points are kept in mind. 

Therefore, let us discuss how crochets can be more eco-friendly and sustainable. 

Choose the right fabrics

One of the most basic things that you can do is to choose the right fabric fibres. Now, there are two umbrellas here that need to be unwrapped. 

One is that natural fibres must be preferred over non-natural fibres. This has several advantages such as natural fibres will rely on natural sources whereas non-natural fibres will rely on synthetic sources and chemicals. 

Further, there are liberties available with natural fibres such as biodegradation and composting. But these liberties are taken away in the case of non-natural fibres such as acrylics. 

Now, the second umbrella is that even in the case of natural fibres, sustainable options must be preferred. 

The go-to choice in most cases is cotton. But it is also known that cotton is a thirsty crop and requires tons of water and other chemicals to produce (such as fertilisers and pesticides). 

Therefore, it will not be a bad option to consider other more renewable sources such as bamboo or hemp. Market (green) examples include:

  • Loopy mango
  • Darn good yarn
  • We are knitters
  • Wool and the gang 
  • Lion brand yarn 

Avoid synthetic dyes

One of the tragedies today with fibres is that the fibres are dyed with synthetic dyes. These dyes are made from chemicals that do a lot of harm to the environment in the form of pollution, habitat destruction, and effects on life. 

Therefore, it is not only advisable but also incumbent to prefer fibres that are rather dyed naturally. If there are no options available, you can simply buy plain, organic fibres and dye them yourself. After all, if you are going for crochets, you ought to have some extra time. 

Choose eco-friendly crocheting equipment 

The crocheting tools and equipment may also come in a variety. Some will be made from non-biodegradable materials such as metals or plastics while some will rely on natural and biodegradable sources such as wood or bamboo. 

When choosing the right equipment, you need to have an environmental interest as a priority and prefer equipment made from natural and biodegradable materials. 

Also, you can prefer to use recycled material for crocheting. For example, some people may use recycled plastic fibres to make crochets. 

Making eco-friendly items

People can utilise their skills in crochets to make eco-friendly substitutes for not-so-eco-friendly products available in the market. 

For example, you can make crochet market bags. These bags will be way more sustainable as compared to single-use plastic bags which are both made from non-renewable resources and also are non-biodegradable. Not to mention the environmental problems that plastic bags create such as pollution and life damage caused by microplastics. 

Shift to green clean 

When it comes to the washing and cleaning of crochet items, it is wiser to prefer natural soaps and avoid synthetic, chemical-based washing powders as these products can pollute waterways, and water bodies, and alter the living balance inside these systems. 

Conclusion

It is concluded that crochet is biodegradable if made from natural and organic fibres while also avoiding the use of synthetic dyes. 

The article discussed steps to compost biodegradable crochets. It also commented on the eco-friendliness of crochets and ways to make crochets more eco-friendly and close to nature. 

The options included:

  • Choosing the right fabrics
  • Avoiding synthetic dyes
  • Choosing sustainable equipment 
  • Choosing eco-friendly raw material
  • Making eco-friendly items
  • Preferring green clean 

References

  • Can I compost old clothes? Retrieved from: https://www.compostthis.co.uk/old-clothes