Environmentally conscious craft fair kicks off Nov. 10

The event is hosted by the Great Swamp Conservancy.

Local residents can shop for the holidays from local vendors this year and do it green and plastic-free.

The Great Swamp Conservancy’s Green and Plastic Free Holiday Show kicks off Sunday, Nov. 10 and runs from11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Local vendors from the surrounding area will be selling their homemade products that do not contain plastic. This event aims to raise awareness of plastic-free gifting. From cookie wrap to gift wrap, cherished gifts to stocking stuffers.

The accumulation of plastic and plastic pollution has become a worldwide epidemic and a primary threat to wildlife across the globe. An estimated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since its introduction in the 1950s. Only nine percent of plastic waste

has been recycled, and an estimated 79 percent of plastic waste accumulated in landfills or the natural environment.

Most of these plastics exist indefinitely, fragmenting into smaller and smaller pieces over time. A time exposure to plastics increases, wildlife, and their environment are facing increasingly detrimental consequences.

By making changes individually and within communities, people can make a difference in the fight against plastic pollution said Great Swamp Conservancy officials.

This event will teach alternative ways to live an eco-friendly lifestyle without saran wrap, straws, etc. Great Swamp Conservancy officials say local residents can improve the local environment and motivate participants to continue efforts that contribute to a plasticfree world.

Acoustic Americana music will be provided by Wild Wool from Utica, noon until 2p.m. Handmade gifts of all kinds that are eco-friendly and sustainable: books, avocado salsa dip, jewelry, knitted and crocheted items (bamboo, wool, cotton), linen and denim bags, Hemp CBD oils, salves, lotions, pet products, handpainted glass wear, succulents, hand-spun wool, fiber products, wood crafts, pottery, wax wraps, natural soy candles, forest treasures, and sign décor. This is a family-friendly event, including a free children’s activity table of rock painting, plus vendor solutions to plastic-free gifting.

A free fabric gift bag will be given to the first 62 visitors that visit the plastic-free booth. The event is free and open to the public. Celebrate the season with less plastic this year. For more info contact theGSC at 315-697-2950 or email at greatswampconservancy@gmail.com

The Great Swamp Conservancy is located 8375 N. Main St., Canastota.