Sustainability and environmental issues affect our coastal location more than most, and we see the effects that sea plastic, climate change, and the impacts this is having on our natural environment first hand. 

We are delighted that the National Lottery Community Fund could see the potential in a project to help address some of these issues and we now employ what we call a Creative Sustainability Coordinator.

David in this role conducts monthly beach cleans/surveys on the island and records the marine litter found. The data is submitted to Marine Conservation Society for their records. David also tries to use as much of the litter in a creative way instead of simply sending it all to landfill. 

In his role this also expands to everything sustainable and trying to help the environment; through creative workshops, raising awareness, and engaging the Hub in initiatives such as the Big Red Clothing Bin we now have where people can donate unwanted clothes and fabrics for creative reuse.

In order to showcase the work being achieved we have also created the label - 'I WAS ONCE' which includes all of our products created in house at The Craft Hub that are either created using found 'Bruck' (Orcadian for Rubbish) from our local beaches; including sea plastic, ghost nets, driftwood etc; as well as items that are no longer wanted or needed on the island. We try and up-cycle these materials and items in a creative and sustainable manner that showcase the full potential of such finds.

When customers buy 'I WAS ONCE' range not only are they purchasing an exciting, innovative item; but this funds us further into continuing our work that directly impacts our beautiful island- such as beach-cleans, and workshops to raise awareness and inspiration that will go someway in helping limit the impacts of climate change, sea plastic, and the threat of the natural environment being damaged.

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If you would like any more information surrounding this, or like to contact David directly then please email us and direct your email accordingly.