Why toss out kitchen trash when you can use it to make natural dye? Courtesy of Aldgate Connect BID, which works with the community to maximise economic benefit and regeneration in the area of Aldgate, and The Aldgate Gardening Club, I got to learn how to not only make the dye, but also how to use it to colour fabric.
This event, which is all about environmental sustainability, is open to all in Aldgate including workers and locals. It is meant to motivate, inspire, and reconnect people with nature. That’s because natural dyes are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable in nature. They also have a low environmental impact.
In particular, dyes made from discarded food can help to reduce chemical pollution while also giving purpose to the wasted food. The food waste dyes can also be used to inspire creativity.
The first session took place on Thursday, May 19th from 12-1pm. It was a great opportunity to enjoy some lunchtime mindfulness with varied dye-making sessions.
We learnt about the history of the dye trade and how plant colour is used today. We also learnt how to make natural dyes from plants and kitchen waste, and got to take home the dyes and pattern silk handkerchiefs we made.
It was a fun-filled learning adventure with lots of practical information about how to make the most of kitchen scraps not only as a hobby but for mother earth as well.
