GREEN CHALLENGES: The Handmade Pledge

Fearing I was on to a loser, I didn't mention this particular challenge before I did it, but having decided to try and stick to green and ethical gifts this Christmas by taking the Handmade Pledge. I'm reporting back on my undercover operation now to say that it's all going surprisingly well. I'd already made the painful decision not to send Christmas cards this year (I'm a sucker for a well-designed card, but the online versions I found this year made it worth forgoing them) and having visited a street market this weekend, may have just cracked it. It started with a jar of chutney...

Related: Green Challenge #2: energy monitoring week | Green Challenge #1: Leftover food week

Lilliput Preserves are such a small company they don't even have a webpage (the horror!), but they embody all that's resourceful and creative about locally produced fare. Their delicious, seasonal chutneys, jams and curds are all packaged in recycled jars that once pasta sauce, jam, curry and other shop-bought foods, which are decorated with the company's cheery logo. The products themselves are deliciously flavoursome, mostly because the ingredients are so fresh. I discovered them at Leicester Market on a recent flying visit, and would recommend them to anyone in the local area.

Having bagged myself a few jars as pressies and Christmas condiments from the stall, I set out determined to continue in my hand-made quest, and soon found that there was plenty to suit most of my family members and friends in the market alone. So, if you're looking for small, preferably original gifts it's well worth checking out local markets and craft fairs near you, too.

Among the gems I've managed to dig up so far were an adorable scarflet from a small crochet label called Beaky: I tracked her down at the market, but she has an Etsy shop, too.

Next, I stumbled on a stall that looked perfect for my 'challenge' as it was covered in recycling symbols and tote bags. 'Revival' turned out to be run by teenagers from the local college, who were selling their handiwork as part of a Young Enterprize scheme. I snapped up some really kooky bits of jewellery and a bag, feeling great about the fact that I'd helped some hardworking kids get a foothold in their chosen careers.

What I couldn't buy at the market, I'm hoping I'll find on home-grown craft site Folksy, but don't forget vintage is a great way to reduce waste while giving great gifts.

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