Making & Repairing

Sometimes the best way to avoid plastic is by making things yourself. We have pulled together some of our favourite recipes for making food, natural cosmetics, as well as simple, safe and effective cleaning products for your home.

Another way to avoid bringing new plastic into production is to take good care of the things we have, and to repair them when needed rather than buying new. If you don’t have the skills, there will be someone nearby who does and is able to teach you how – see our list of Gloucestershire repair cafes and other local facilities.

Simple ways to make, cook and bake

Many things that come packaged in plastic can be made at home. The secret is to start with easy recipes that work for you and your budget. You will be surprised how quick and simple it is to make some common place things and how much better these are for you and the environment. Making this is good for our wellbeing and helps us connect with each other. This could be seen during Covid lockdowns when the nation enthusiastically shared their new skills such as baking bread and crocheting all over social media.

Repair Cafes and Makers’ Studios

If everyone in Gloucestershire repaired just one item we could save 600,000 items from being wasted – that’s 125 lorries worth of recycling. Look up your local repair cafe on Gloucestershire Recycles or see our listings below. At a typical repair cafe you will not only learn from volunteer experts how to mend your broken items, you will also have a chance to meet and chat with others over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. Perfect for community spirit and good for your pocket and the environment.