Indie gift retailer’s latest collab turns waste balloons into bright and reusable decorations.
It’s #earthweek and the perfect opportunity for retailer, Earlybird to unveil its latest eco-friendly project as the retailer has a great new collaboration with upcycling queen Hannah Wild.
Celebrating sustainability in style, the Stoke Newington store has a vibrant window display made entirely from discarded foil balloons, which was launched just ahead of World Earth Day yesterday, 22 April, part of the week-long event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and encouraging action to protect the planet.
“It highlights the potential of waste materials being transformed into beautiful, functional art,” explained Earlybird co-owner Heidi Early, as she’s offering customers the option of renting the unique bunting Hannah makes by repurposing the metallic foil balloons “providing a sustainable alternative to single-use decorations”.
“She gets her discarded balloons from us and Cardfactory in Westfield Stratford – apparently one of the bosses there is interested in what she’s doing, which is amazing because she really needs a big company to back her so she can scale up what she does. I’ve given her the details for Oaktree, which is the only British manufacturer of foil balloons, and we’re planning a factory visit.”
It’s an expansion of the balloon recycling service Earlybird introduced last year, supported by a High Streets Beyond Waste grant from ReLondon, a partnership between the capital’s mayor and boroughs to improve waste and resource management in the city.
Heidi added: “Our dream was always to work with someone who could repurpose balloons creatively. When ReLondon connected us with Hannah, it was a perfect match!”
The Hackney-based artist, who runs a creative repurposing studio and is known for her work with discarded balloons which she also turns into reusable wrapping paper, door bows, wreaths and handbags as well as jewellery and keyrings, is thrilled with the decorations as they’re designed to be hired, loved and returned, giving the foil a second life and avoiding sending single-use party waste to landfill.
Hannah, who can be seen creating the bunting in the reel above, commented: “They’re suitable for indoor and outdoor use, high quality and affordable. I’m thrilled to turn waste into wonder with Earlybird. This collaboration is a true testament to the power of circular design and community partnerships.”
