Etsy Teams are groups of organized Etsy members who network, share skills, and promote their shops and Etsy together. A Team can form around a shared location, crafting medium, or really anything that brings people together. In honor of Earth Day (the annual reminder that we should be environmentally conscious year-round) I’ve asked some Etsy Teams what efforts they are taking to be as eco-friendly as possible in 2010.
The Trashion Team, led by remaker, is a group of artists and artisans who create art, jewelry, fashion and objects from materials that are leftover, discarded or found. Bellavioletta calls the Team “a collection of like souls that see beauty in trash. We create art from bits of post consumer life. Cereal boxes, old record albums, used t-shirts, discarded books, candy wrappers, etc. become our art supplies.” Their eco-activism transforms fundamental ideas of art and beauty by exploring all the ways in which stuff typically dismissed as refuse can be reclaimed. “Our Team,” says member SewTrendy, “takes materials that might otherwise be discarded and creates fashion items.”
Photo from Etsy Trashion
Like Team Trashion, the Etsy Recycler’s Guild uses recycled, upcycled, and repurposed materials whenever possible. According to TheFloatingMarket (a member of both Teams) “the majority of items in our shops are made from reused material. Something old becomes something new, and there are fewer items in the landfills.”
RetroChaletStudio is the leader of the Recycler’s Guild. “Our global Team consists of artisans, vintage sellers, and greenies who upcycle, recycle, and repurpose everything (even trash) to make the world a greener place. In addition we have some very creative sellers who offer eco-friendly alternatives to common products. Our tag is ‘WasteNot‘ and it is so fitting as we are trying to upcycle the world one item at a time.”
Photo of RetroChaletStudio and cherspassion by Cherri Miele
cherspassion‘s tin can dolls, photo by Cheri Miele
Another group founded to promote environmental sustainability is Team EcoEtsy. Their mission is “to protect our planet by using methods to reduce the carbon print in managing our businesses and having eco-friendly lifestyles,” explains Team leader ecokaren. “In celebrating Earth Day’s 40th birthday, we are spreading our mission with our neighbors in the community by sharing seed packets in a project called Green Share throughout the month of April. We are also sponsoring a charity auction called Handmade for Earth Day auction starting April 19, open worldwide. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to environmental organizations that work tirelessly to improve the health of the planet and we are proud to support them.” You can read more from Team EcoEtsy in this blog post.
Seed packet packaging photo by BrassPaperclip
Nelsonmelle says, “I found EcoEtsy because I wanted to work with other Etsy shop owners who were making green choices for the products they sell. I find we are able to offer support and spread the word of ecologically minded crafting better as a Team than individually.”
Seed packet envelopes photo by BrassPaperclip
“We have a fully green Team,” says vintagerenewal, of Team EcoEtsy. “Our Team blog is full of tutorials ranging from handmade soap to 7-layer bean dip and earth friendly gift items from fashion to furniture.” Many members of EcoEtsy post tutorials on their personal blogs as well.
Check out this Plastic-Free Green Product Packaging Tutorial from picnicbasketcrafts and this DIY House Shelf from littlemoandfriends. Members of EcoEtsy are required “to be selling, using and promoting all things environmentally friendly — this includes packaging and gift wrap, which a lot of times are overlooked,” notes SeaFindDesigns.
Photo by picnicbasketcrafts
And then there’s Etsy Eco-Tips. “The main purpose of the Eco-Tips Team is to inject a little green inspiration into our product listings and with our collective intentions, to be influential of the shift of consciousness and to go green!” proclaims Etsy Eco-Tips leader allnaturalme.
Photo by Nic Poitras of SoaperieMaindeNature
According to Team member RandomSacksOfKindnes, the “Etsy Eco-Tips Team shares little tidbits on how to be Earth-savvy with each of our shop items in the hope that people will become more aware of what they can do to help out.” “Nearly everything made in these shops is designed to keep disposable bits out of landfills,” shares UnraveledRevelry. “Utilizing reusable and upcycled materials leaves you feeling good about the things you make and know they do good for the world as well.”
The Pagans of Etsy Team revolves around the mission to be supportive of all life on the planet. This year the Team is hosting an Earth Day contest. “The challenge is to reuse, reclaim and recycle materials to create your entry,” says Team leader dragonsmoon. “The items can be made with new materials,” as long as they promote an Earth-friendly spirit. Check out the blog to see entries and vote on your favorite starting May 10.
Photo by Wendy of birchleafdesigns
“It takes a lot of creativity to imagine the super cute plush creatures that can be made from old clothes and linens,” explains FluffyFlowers of the Etsy Plush Street Team. “Several of our talented Plush Team members have done just that. They’ve taken everything from vintage pillowcases to upcycled jeans to outgrown baby blankets and turned them into some of the most adorable plush creatures ever!” Check out the Earth Day Plush in the Team shop.
The Natural Kids Street Team is a group of sellers dedicated to creating natural products for children. As SewnNatural describes it, the Team “is committed to not only protecting our earth, but also celebrating it and helping kids connect with it. Natural gear is wonderful for helping teach children about where their ‘stuff’ came from — what it’s made of, and who made it.” Read more from the Natural Kids Team in this blog post.
Even the Etsy Twitter Team has something green to tweet about. They are hosting an event called “Go Green with the Etsy Twitter Team” from April 15-22. “Our Team blog will have ways to recycle, reduce and reuse items, along with sales from individuals from our Team,” says Etsy Twitter Team leader Jenco13. “We will also be giving away a Go Green item every day during the event.”
Joining an Etsy Team is a great way to find a community of like-minded individuals and to tap into an ongoing source of inspiration. Find an existing team by browsing the Team Profiles site (new ones are added all the time) or start your own Etsy Team. Go green and get involved!
Photo by Donni of Fairyfolk
More Articles on Teams | Craftivism Category | Earth Day Posts
132 comments
Sign in to add your ownmythunderstood says:
I like the blueberry soap!
2 years ago
ShebboDesign says:
such a lovely finds! blue fish is so cutee!
2 years ago
Ayca says:
Great find! Go Green Team Go !
2 years ago
SilkstoneDesigns says:
Great article! Yay for the eco warrior teams! I am a proud member of Etsy Trashion Team :)
2 years ago
ebrukSupplies says:
Great go green!
2 years ago
Marang97 says:
Yeah for eco-friendly Etsy teams!!
2 years ago
YouAreYou says:
3 cheers for going green!
2 years ago
nowonder says:
I think the teams here are abig part of makes this site great! Good luck green team!
2 years ago
grandmamarievintage says:
so amazing...good job guys!!
2 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Thanks for featuring our sea glass Etsy! Love our Eco Etsy team!! Go green!
2 years ago
SeasationalShells says:
Great finds!
2 years ago
aisle3studio says:
green rules!
2 years ago
Floreal says:
Love the collection.. so inspiring... go green! :) www.twitter.com/florealdesigns www.facebook.com/florealdesigns
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Timely feature, terrific picks!
2 years ago
SpringColors says:
good to hear about eco friendly teams
2 years ago
hypericumfragile says:
Love Upcycled Art Journal! Great article!
2 years ago
LilaJo says:
Super Green Cool!
2 years ago
HillTribeCulture says:
Good Article...Love them All.
2 years ago
greensprings0 says:
A big thank you to all of the eco-friendly teams, members, and customers on Etsy
2 years ago
HillTribeCulture says:
Great Article (^-^)
2 years ago
QuiltFinger says:
YAY! Go green!
2 years ago
Ebruk says:
Great article, Congrats Green Team
2 years ago
sculptedlight says:
Wonderful read! YAY!
2 years ago
DownTheRoad says:
Wow The Natural Kids Street Team is something to be……….
2 years ago
fabula says:
Great round up, thank you! I love the grocery sack!
2 years ago
SewnNatural says:
Wonderful! Thank you, Morgan, for including the NaturalKids team. It's great to learn about other team's efforts and the eco-activism of the Trashion team, such inspirational stuff.
2 years ago
helenapuck says:
I love the crocheted plastic fish. I love seeing what people can make out of almost nothing.
2 years ago
BeautifulPhotoProps says:
Great finds! GoGreen!!
2 years ago
seragun says:
Great finds I like them
2 years ago
berrybluecreations says:
awesome!
2 years ago
EDCCollective says:
It's great that so many people are working at creating lovely things while reducing the amount of material that goes into our landfills. I especially love bellavioletta's butterfly stickers.
2 years ago
artbybarri says:
Cool stuff!!!
2 years ago
birchleafdesigns says:
Great article Morgan! Way to Be Green!
2 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
I just found out reading this that there are "Pegans of Etsy." Druid...where are the druids of Etsy? Great piece...I didn't even know I made "trashion."
2 years ago
ElenaMary says:
Love the trashion team as I am a trashion kind of gal..great to feature teams like this...hope the team features continue so you get to every team eventually..I started 3 teams and we should all have our day in the sun!!
2 years ago
viltalakim says:
let us be good to nature so it will be good to us!!
2 years ago
hankietankie says:
Great article! Proud to be a GREEN member of the PDX ETSY STREET TEAM!!! XOXO love to all xoxo
2 years ago
BayMoonDesign says:
I think being green is essential. I repurpose paper when I make cards. I just used a beautiful piece from a card that was sent to be to create a unique handmade card for a friend. I also use reuse packing envelopes. I really hope that we can reduce what goes into our growing landfills. Thanks for supporting Earth Day efforts.
2 years ago
LittleDenim says:
Great to see some Green teams popping up! I hope to be part of one soon!
2 years ago
theenchantedcupboard says:
Thanks Morgan for adding the NaturalKids team! Go Team!!!
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
the rose goats milk soap looks lovely.
2 years ago
matouenpeluche says:
Go green! Terrific to see this trend!
2 years ago
Panterina says:
Always refreshing to read about people who care about our environment!
2 years ago
shannondzikas says:
Happy Earth Day! Glad to see saving the planet is not just for hippies anymore! Recycling in a crafty way warms my heart!
2 years ago
GwenDelicious says:
some great finds!!! love it!
2 years ago
AvianInspirations says:
I really like how Etsy has been featuring the upcycled/recycled/ecofriendly folks for Earth Day. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
2 years ago
craftpile says:
fantastic teams!
2 years ago
elemegibere says:
Thank you for your efforts! ETSY GREEN TEAM
2 years ago
Ebrown2503 says:
This article brought me back to the very first Earth day I can remember. I think I was in Elementary school and we spent the morning picking up trash. No one thought to have us create anything with it! I wish they'd thought of it all those years ago!
2 years ago
patspottery says:
For earth day, everyone should use a pottery cup, instead of a plastic or paper, and use it all day, every day :>)
2 years ago
ecokaren says:
So honored to be in a company of so many great, green artisans who care for the environment. These teams work and live daily with the health of the planet in mind and I'm so honored to be associated with them. And being a co-leader of Team EcoEtsy has been the greatest experience since joining Etsy. Thank You for including Team EcoEtsy for this wonderful article! Come and check out our auction on April 19th! (http://blog.ecoetsy.com/2010/04/handmade-earth-day-auction-2010/) There are some awesome items for you to bid. Happy Earth Day!!
2 years ago
AnnTig says:
beautiful!
2 years ago
lolos says:
Fantastic article neonmorgan:-)) Go green !
2 years ago
maggiemaevintage says:
every little bit helps
2 years ago
cincincreations says:
Great to see so many who are upcycling and recycling! I'm new to both the Etsy Recyclers Guild and The Trashion Team. Great stuff!
2 years ago
chrisssmith22 says:
Great read.
2 years ago
cherspassion says:
It's so exciting and rewarding to see Etsy promoting "green"! Thank you SO much Morgan! I am honored that you included me, Cindy, our Etsy Recyclers Guild team, and my CANimal cats that were in Purina's Together We Can - RePURRposed Gallery event in SoHo New York just this past Wednesday. Read more about the event on my blog: http://cherspassion.blogspot.com/ or view my photo album on my facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chers-Passion/284725261581 It was SOO much fun! Come see how people make some INCREDIBLE stuff with repurposed materials! Thank you so much Morgan!
2 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
sooo cool!! go green!! :)
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
i am always amazed at what can be recycled and how it is done. i will definitely check out the "plastic free green product packaging tutorial" for new shipping ideas.
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Nice article.
2 years ago
petrainabag says:
green and fabulous! happy mother earth day. i wish everyone would just do one thing to be more eco-friendly. i guess WE are a good start...spread the word.
2 years ago
Metamorphosi says:
Thank you Morgan!great article!Thank you Etsy!I am so happy to be part of Trashion team.Happy Earth Day week!
2 years ago
ikabags says:
Well done, great article , Congrats girls for everything !
2 years ago
bottlehood says:
Yeah hoo...GO GREEN!
2 years ago
FloweryDeer says:
Aw. I love the "Something blue". So cute!
2 years ago
ireneagh says:
GO GREEN!! :)
2 years ago
MagicLace says:
WoW Amazing - I love it!
2 years ago
siragwatkins says:
I'm happy to be a member of 2 of these teams--makes me think maybe I'm doing something right!
2 years ago
diytherapy says:
cool !
2 years ago
pasin says:
lovely green
2 years ago
mazuli83 says:
great finds and lovely article :D
2 years ago
ladaworks says:
Oh, I love that crocheted blue fish. How cute.
2 years ago
loveismyreligion says:
I love being a part of the Recycler's Guild Team! It's great to meet other artists and crafters who love to upcycle, recycle, reuse, and repurpose! Whatever you call it, it's all fun!
2 years ago
unflappableproducts says:
Love all the finds-go green team!
2 years ago
merrydaledolls says:
Nice article! Great teams! Thanks for including the Naturalkids Team!
2 years ago
peacesofindigo says:
Yay, Green! Thank you so much for featuring these great teams. Thanks for featuring one of my necklaces.
2 years ago
SoaperieMaindeNature says:
Hi Morgan and thanks for including my blueberry lemon craft soap and pictures in your article. I am very proud to be part of the eco tips team. Customers appreciate tips that make their lives safer by using less chemicals and decreasing the impact on the environment. Congratulations to everyone whose making a difference, we are indeed making a difference! Nic
2 years ago
SpaGoddess says:
Great article!! Way to go Green!! I'm on Team Eco-Etsy and it is really wonderful to be part of such a diverse team of progressive eco-minded Etsy sellers!! search teamecoetsy to find our eco-goods! xoxo SpaGoddess
2 years ago
ZZsROCKnRECYCLABLES says:
AWESOME!!!! Recycling has become a passion!!!! Please check out my shop!!!! I make recycled kids jeans and tutus and there will be more to come!!!!
2 years ago
JeansVintageCloset says:
My neighbor advised me of a plant swap and my sister and I attended, we put veggie and flower seeds, stickers left over from halloween, easter etc, in lunch bags and wrote care instructions for plants and happy mothers day on recyled paper, Everyone enjoyed swaps of plants, containers, books, and should know about Etsy by now
2 years ago
DPKministat says:
Is there an Etsy Team for miniature sculptors?
2 years ago
RetroChaletStudio says:
Thank you so much for this article Morgan and for supporting my team, (Recyclers Guild Team) and the other green teams on Etsy, who all try so hard to do good for the environment. ♥ Cindy ♥
2 years ago
RedorGrayArt says:
joined one today...my paper goods are all recycled scraps...
2 years ago
modernshadesofgrey says:
yay Recyclers Guild!!!
2 years ago
Metamorphosi says:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/45042668/earth-day-wind-chimes I made it today for Earth Day sale!! Thank you Etsy!
2 years ago
Quiltngbug says:
This is a great article and a good reminder of all the things we can be doing to reduce waste. I love the plastic Blue Fish.
2 years ago
bedbuggs says:
Great Article! Fun finds!
2 years ago
SeasationalShells says:
Way to go green...
2 years ago
thaiamuletluckbuddha says:
Lovely finds!
2 years ago
styleforlife says:
Cant agree more...Thats why I shop vintage and have my site! Thanks for sharing...Emily at EL Vintage http://www.etsy.com/shop/styleforlife http://twitter.com/ELVintage http://styleforlifelosangeles.blogspot.com/
2 years ago
bellasparty says:
Go green! Awesome!
2 years ago
siragwatkins says:
This is a great reminder, but there are things we can all do all year--for instance, I buy all my recycled bubble envelopes for mailing from MrsJahnsJewelry, right here on etsy. And if I need other packaging I try to reuse what's come in. I also use a lot of vintage and recycled stuff in my own work, which you can see in my other shop, The Creative Block, at www.siragwatkins.etsy.com, and sell a lot of recycled and recyclable items here at Findings. If we each do even a little, the cumulative effect is amazing!
2 years ago
Royalpaca says:
Great article ! I've joined 2 teams recently and have found them great for numerous things, like motivation, inspiration, information and well a little marketing too :) I'm also very involved in living a greener life, that's what my blog is all about , there are a few tips there on growing and raising your own food! I raise my own wooly soft alpacas for my soft creations ;) For curious minds a like :) have a look ... www.royalpaca.blogspot.com
2 years ago
bhangtiez says:
luv greenies...
2 years ago
PinkCobweb says:
Appreciated the "Plastic free packaging tutorial"I'm new at this & have been looking for eco friendly packaging ideas.Really like the paper tape.Thanks Picnicbasketcrafts!
2 years ago
PinkCobweb says:
Oh and I had to try one of those recycled gift boxes.It turned out pretty good.
2 years ago
heatbria says:
Great blog! Love it I've got to bring a little more green into my shop.
2 years ago
OhMafelt says:
Great inspiration...loads to reuse, reduce and recycle around out studios, yes?!
2 years ago
littlemoandfriends says:
what a great little article, so many green tips1 Worth bookmarking! Thanks for the blog links Morgan! xoxo
2 years ago
RandomSacksOfKindnes says:
great article! thanks!
2 years ago
indiepixie says:
My favourite article so far...
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Very cool!!
2 years ago
juani1 says:
Happy Earthday! Thank you for including my plastc crocheted fish. I do love being part of the eco etsy team. Take care, Juanita
2 years ago
zJayne says:
So much talent in one place! Happy Earth Week!
2 years ago
ecozuzu says:
Love the green article!!! HAPPY EARTH DAY! :)
2 years ago
HibouCards says:
Yay! Go green and Go PLUSHTEAM!!!!!
2 years ago
LulaMatilda says:
I'm on my way over to the Team Profiles page -- very inspirational!
2 years ago
allnaturalme says:
I love this article SO much - because it's green AND I'm in it!! yee haw!!
2 years ago
Dingogirl66 says:
This is such a great article.... GO PLUSH TEAM GO!!!! ANd seeing little Ernie just warms my heart!!
2 years ago
bellyzmama says:
i love earthday ernie!!!!!
2 years ago
archive5collection says:
Luvin the article, so PROUD to be apart of the team! Go E.R.G;)
2 years ago
smarmyclothes says:
Love Earth Day Ernie!!
2 years ago
TheClayPony says:
I want to hug Earth Day Ernie! He's so cute!
2 years ago
CardboardCastle says:
Thanks for this article... I'll have to check out all these groups like Trashion for inspiration. I love the vibe that comes from a material's long history as it's transformed into something relevant again!
2 years ago
mwgregory says:
love the etsy recyclers guild!
2 years ago
ecstasea says:
Great article, Morgan! Very inspiring!
2 years ago
lucillejean says:
great article! i'm not a team member but am inspired by all the great work. i try to reuse materials and such in my work as well. its so much better!
2 years ago
ForestWalkArt says:
great article!! cool stuff!!! so inspiring!!
2 years ago
daisyberry says:
Very creative, go etsy!
2 years ago
mykky says:
Cool stuff! Especially love the crocheted fish.
2 years ago
Corkycrafts says:
Very Creative love the upcycled art by Bellaviolleta! Very cool finds too!!!
1 year ago
ToinoAbel says:
* * * * *
1 year ago
CrazyAngelArt says:
love the recycle ideas...the greenest product is the one that already exists...go green team...PeaCe....
1 year ago
olive34 says:
this is great! If you are interested, you can check out my site: www.etsy.com/shop/olive34
1 year ago
lilypchic says:
Amazing!
1 year ago
KrackleWoods says:
Green is our Thing!! Love this idea this is Great!!
1 year ago
Allybeans says:
Go GREEN!!!!
1 year ago
AnnaLela says:
This is great.... go green!
1 year ago
AnnaLela says:
This is great.... go green!
1 year ago
Fussiepanda says:
That's some mean green.
1 year ago
jammerjewelry says:
Great Idea!
1 year ago
BettysBeautyInBeads says:
Terriffic idea and post!! And thanks for "planting the seed" for all of us to spring-board off of this with new ideas to share. I'm all for re-use of existing or found items in my jewelry whenever possible. Going green is a must to make things better for future generations.
1 year ago