The month of November is soon coming to an end to make way for the end-of-year celebrations. Who says December says the opening of the Advent calendar ! The idea of opening the twenty-four boxes to discover gifts just before Christmas is delighting.
We briefly told you about it in our article on actions to adopt for a responsible Christmas. This year, we encourage you to abandon the industrial Advent calendar filled with plastic for a homemade zero-waste Advent calendar .
Why make your own zero waste Advent calendar?
First of all, it is an ecological approach . The goal of zero waste is to reduce the amount of waste as much as possible through simple actions. For example: buy in bulk to limit the use of plastic. To avoid unnecessary waste, we use recycled materials that we already have at home (jars, cardboard, kraft paper, etc.) to make our Advent calendar.
Another advantage: it’s economical and unique ! Unlike a calendar purchased in a supermarket, a “homemade” creation is reusable . No need to buy them every year anymore!
The idea of making your own calendar appeals to both children and parents and it allows you to have a good time with your family . Very often, everyone shares their imagination and creativity!
If you're not creative, don't worry. There are many tutorials and videos to help you. You are free to choose the eco-responsible version that you like best.
To do this, we offer you 6 ideas and styles for making your own zero waste Advent calendar (including one made by the Meanwhile Boutique team):
#1 – Advent calendar of glass jars: surprise grocery store style
Pickle, mustard and jam jars can still be used, even when empty. With a little paint and some decorations, your glass containers are ready to hide lots of surprises .
This short video explains how to customize them.
Video time : 1min04
#2 - Advent calendar with cardboard: “open when…” style letters
Transform the big piece of cardboard lying around in the corner of your garage into a zero waste Advent calendar . With paint, stickers and colored leaves, let your imagination run wild and personalize it according to your tastes and desires.
In this video, discover how to make a zero waste advent calendar from a single piece of cardboard.
Video time : 5min26
#3 - Advent calendar with upcycled fabric: surprise bag style
For fans of sewing and recycling , transform your sleeping fabrics (pillowcase with holes, fabric samples, etc.) into surprise bags for your children.
The video below explains how to make this sustainable Advent calendar from upcycled fabric.
Video time : 14min34
#4 - Advent calendar with tea and/or coffee filters: surprise bag style
If you have any coffee or tea filters left over from your old coffee maker in your kitchen drawer, use them as little treat bags .
Simple and effective, this tutorial explains how to transform and personalize them.
Video time : 5min22
#5 - Kraft paper Advent calendar: small village style
No need to rush to the store for kraft paper : envelopes, sheets of paper or the pages of an old book do the trick to make a zero waste Advent calendar .
This video shares with you an idea to make from kraft paper.
Video time : 9min56
The zero waste Advent calendar Meanwhile Boutique
#6 - An Advent calendar made from toilet paper rolls: macramé style
Toilet paper rolls are very useful for various zero waste creation projects.
In this tutorial, the Meanwhile Boutique team shows you how to make a beautiful zero waste Advent calendar from small cardboard tubes.
Video time : 3min45
We hope these 6 ideas have inspired you!
So, ready to make yours? Which zero waste Advent calendar have you chosen to make? Tell us in the comments 👇🏼
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In December, we also made a virtual Advent calendar . To discover it right here:
