Small Hands, Big Impact: How Seed Paper Sparks Sustainable Change
At Sustainable Me, we believe every day is Earth Day, and while the official celebration may have passed earlier this week, the spirit of creativity, action, and hope continues to bloom in everything we do.
Through hands-on projects and community learning, our young changemakers are proving that small actions, rooted in creativity and care, can grow into big change.
At events like the International Women's Day March and Expo, Saturday Lunch ‘n’ Learn workshops - and of course, through our ongoing Sustainable Studio summer camp - our young changemakers showcase the spirit of Sustainable Me with creative projects that bring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life in inspiring ways.
Today, we’re excited to share a closer look at one of those beautiful projects: Seed Paper Making.
Creating Living Messages: DIY Seed Paper
There’s something so rewarding about turning yesterday’s scraps into tomorrow’s herbs, microgreens, and flowers. In our Seed Paper workshop, campers learn how to transform recycled paper into colorful, plantable paper creating living messages of hope, growth, and regeneration.
Using simple tools like embroidery hoops and mesh fabric/screen to create homemade mould and deckle frames, our youth makers blend shredded paper, water, and native plant seeds into unique sheets of paper that can be dried, decorated, and eventually planted to bloom.
This project ties into:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 15: Life on Land
Why It Matters:
In making seed paper, kids experience first-hand the power of recycling and regeneration. They also see how creativity can directly support healthier ecosystems one small seed at a time.
Creativity in Action: Mini Picket Signs for a Better World
Another project our learners love? Creating mini picket signs for causes they care about - crafted from their own handmade seed paper and popsicle sticks!
From “Respect Our Mother” to “Girls Can Do Anything” and other messages in support of the Sustainable Development Goals, these tiny but mighty signs capture the spirit of advocacy, reminding us all that change often starts with a small brave voice.
This project celebrates:
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
From Single-Use to Sustainable: Upcycled Hanging Planters
Single-use plastics? Not on our watch!
In a joyful upcycling session, we teach our learners how to turn empty one-gallon water bottles into hanging planters complete with herbs, flowers, and veggies. At camp this craft class also includes a full session on companion planting.
This activity has quickly become a family favorite! Learners of all ages love this lesson and we love finding new ways to teach it!
This project connects to:
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
Join Us in Growing a Better Future
These projects are just a glimpse into the creativity and community that thrive at Sustainable Me. We invite you to be part of the movement to nurture young changemakers, spark creativity, and help build a more sustainable, equitable world for all. 🌍✨
🌱 Learn More About Our Summer Camp
🌿 Support Future Changemakers
Together, we are growing a future full of possibility — one seed, one sign, one small action at a time.