Over the years, I've experimented with various hobbies, always seeking ways to reduce my environmental impact while improving my mental and physical health. So, if you're looking to make a positive impact on the planet while boosting your well-being, you're in the right place! Here are my top five eco-friendly hobbies that are not only fun but also drastically improve well-being. I certainly feel so much better after taking them up for myself!
#1. Junk Journaling:
So, let`s start with the most affordable and easy-to-approach hobby every woman (or anyone) can truly appreciate – junk journaling. You don`t need to buy or invest in any expensive journal materials to start this hobby. In fact, you might already have all the necessary things to begin like glue, pens, and old journal/copybook.
Why is this hobby ecological, you ask? Because you have an opportunity to scavenge, reuse, and upcycle all those old papers and other junk, transforming them into something thrilling. Who knows, maybe you'll be able to create an art piece to show off later. The ideas that come to my mind are those huge coffee table books that you can alter and personalize to your liking, or mixed media journals that you can gift to people you love.
An avocado tree I plan to keep for myself ;)
#2. Gardening:
Gardening is, of course, on the surface. You can literally improve your health and lifestyle by simply starting gardening for pleasure. Microgreens and strawberries are the first things that come to mind when you think of a gardening hobby, but how do you go even further than that:
Depending on your location, you can push your low-key gardening pastime into something even more ecological and simply adorable. I'm talking about growing flowers and plants for insects and birds. In the region where I live, we have a bunch of Gulf fritillaries, aka passion butterflies, who love to chomp on the passionfruit plant. As a result, I ended up planting passionfruits just for these butterflies that eat the so-called fruits of my labor.
And, I gained so much more than I expected at first. It is so relaxing and inspiring to see how new life begins its cycle from a tiny yellow egg to a brightly-colored insect. Well, I consider it my very own contribution to the ecosystem of my region. Plus, this little hobby goes so well with the next one I'm going to talk about!
#3. Photography:
Photography, for me, isn't just a hobby; it's a passion, a way of seeing the world. It's about freezing fleeting moments, preserving memories, and exploring the beauty that surrounds us. I first got into photography to enhance my blog posts and for personal enjoyment. Today, anyone can become a photographer without breaking the bank, thanks to the cameras built into our smartphones. However, I'll never forget the thrill of acquiring my first DSLR camera. It truly revolutionized my approach to photography. I felt empowered to experiment and express my creativity. Suddenly, I began to see the world through a new lens, noticing intricate details and captivating compositions that had previously escaped my attention.
Try it yourself for fun! This hobby can be really fulfilling and has an activism side to it. For example, conservation photography or photojournalism, where you can support nature and community by giving them important exposure. If activism isn't something you're interested in, you can still make a huge contribution passively. Upload nature-related snaps and give them for license-free use via Wikimedia or platforms like Unsplash and Pexels.
#4. Crocheting or Knitting:
Wouldn't it be nice to create your very own trendy top or sweater? It's absolutely possible if you learn how to knit or crochet yourself. And, I guarantee you, it's so much easier than it seems. Especially crocheting! If I could learn those stitches, you'd do it twice as fast Now crocheting is my go-to hobby at the moment. Of course, like any other activity, it has its downsides, such as the amount of time it takes to craft a project. But the results are so satisfying. And there are so many eco-friendly things you can create. You can substitute your plastic loofah with a crochet washcloth, one-time-use cotton pads with reusable makeup removal pads, and synthetic rugs with fun rag rugs
- *Little tip from crocheter
Be careful here not to fall into the overconsumption pit! With crocheting and knitting is so easy to turn to the dark side and stop being as eco-friendly and minimalistic as you wanted to be when you started. Sarah’s Handmakes in her video goes deeper into the topic, so don't forget to take a look, before diving into the shopping frenzy. My personal rule here – is don't buy more yarn, before the old one is reworked. Simply as that! Plan a project, count the amount of yarn, and cord, will you need, and don't buy anything else, before planning on the next project.
I would also recommend asking your friends and relatives if they have any crochet hooks and yarn that they don't plan to use. Chances are high that they have a stash of high-quality supplies from before they started crocheting. Alternatively, check thrift and secondhand shops, as they often have old sweaters that are perfect for upcycling.
Cochet pumpkins I made for Halloween decoration
#5. Herbology or Mycology:
If your inner Harry Potter or the Charmed fan is still vocal, this is the way you have to take it. Herbology or mycology is so much fun, especially if you combine it with painting or photography. One of the most rewarding aspects of herbology or mycology is the opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level. You'll spend countless hours wandering through fields, forests, and gardens, identifying plants and learning their stories. Each plant has a unique purpose, a healing power, and a beauty that is often overlooked.
Don't pick up your phone or earphones while inspecting nature. Simply collect, observe, and take notes in your herbarium, and don't forget to take pictures. Later, when you come home and rest a little, go through your collection and use books and the internet to identify your finds. Keep a microblog to share your hobby with others!
My little day-to-day planner from old papers
Concluding...
The hardest part of acquiring a new hobby, especially if you are older and don't have as much time at your disposal, is to break the barrier and try something new. Don't feel pressured or overwhelmed; just go with your natural pace. It doesn't matter how many pictures of plants you'll take per month or how many rows of stitches you'll complete. A hobby is foremost about your well-being, relaxation, and mindful leisure time. Start with something small, change it for anything else that sticks, and, it is guaranteed, that you'll find your perfect fit!
