Witchcraft & Environmentalism

Embracing Self-Sufficiency and strengthening my connection to the earth and my craft.

A big part of my witchcraft practice is to be aware of my impact on the environment. In today’s fast-paced world, the idea of being self-sufficient can seem like a far-off dream. But for me, it’s a path I’m actively walking, one small step at a time. I aim to create the things I need, reduce my environmental impact, and deepen my connection to the earth which enhances mental health knowing that I am making a difference, however small it may be. It’s important to me to live a life that’s not only more fulfilling but also kinder to the planet—whether that’s through reducing waste, repurposing materials, or simply slowing down and creating with intention.

Recently, I decided I wanted to replace the paper towel in my kitchen for cloth ones. The cost, both environmental and financial, of using and throwing away paper towels began to frustrate me so, I decided to take action and create my own cloth towels to use instead.

Finding flannel material to begin my project I found my sewing machine broke. It couldn’t be repaired, which at first seemed like a setback however I decided to invest in a quality machine that would last for many years to come, a new machine that could help me create even more of what I need and want for myself. This investment wasn’t just about the machine itself, but about developing my skills and exploring new ways of making things by hand.

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​The process was simple and incredibly rewarding. Cutting the fabric into squares, I took two and placed them together. I sewed all the edges, leaving a small gap to turn them inside out. After flipping them, I stitched around the edges again to prevent fraying and ensure they would last for a long time. The feeling of creating something practical and sustainable from scratch was immensely satisfying. Not only would these towels help cut down on waste, but they also felt personal—like little handmade pieces of my effort to be more self-reliant.

But I didn’t stop there! My creative energy led me to finding a way to hold my new cloth towels on the kitchen towel holder. After some thought, I realised that I could repurpose a scrap piece of PVC pipe from a building site where my son was working. With a little ingenuity, I cut the pipe to fit the towel holder and glued a small strip of grip (similar to sandpaper) to ensure the first towel would stay in place. I then wrapped all the towels around each other, and thanks to the flannel material, they stayed snugly together, ready for use and can be easily pulled off when the movement of the pvc pipe.

Each step of this journey, from sewing towels to finding creative solutions with scraps, has reinforced my desire to be more self-sufficient. It’s not just about the projects themselves, but the process of learning, adapting, and connecting with what I create. This process is a great tool within my mental health tool kit allowing me to feel confident and proud of myself for my achievements.  It’s a daily practice of reducing waste, rethinking consumption, and building a life where I rely more on my own hands and skills than on disposable goods.

I’m excited to continue teaching myself new skills, from repairing clothing to repurposing old materials into something useful. It’s a learning curve, but one that fills me with a sense of accomplishment and pride. I encourage anyone who is looking to live more sustainably to try small projects like these—it’s a fun way to make a big impact!
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Happy crafting!
Niki
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