Did you know you can be an eco-friendly puzzle fiend? To celebrate World Environment Day (June 5), let’s dive into the best ways to enjoy puzzles more sustainably.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this classic pastime and simultaneously minimize your environmental impact. Whether you want to source new puzzles more sustainably or find way to extend the life of your old puzzles, we’ve got you covered.
Here are several ways to get your hands on new-to-you puzzles that will save you money and reduce your impact on the environment.
Did you know that some libraries rent puzzles? Your local library could be a great place to find free puzzles that you can check out for a short time. When you’re done with the puzzle, simply pack it up and return it to the library for the next member to enjoy - and grab another one for yourself. This option is a win-win since it’s both kinder to the planet and budget-conscious.
You’ve probably seen Free Little Libraries for books in your neighborhood, and now there are Free Little Libraries for puzzles! Check out The Puzzle Republic to find a free puzzle library near you. The program operates on a “take a puzzle, leave a puzzle” model, which is a great way to swap puzzles with your community.
Plus, keeping puzzles in use, rather than stashing them away in a closet, is a perfect way to enjoy puzzles more sustainably.
The secondhand market is a treasure trove for gently used puzzles, and you may even find vintage puzzles that you can’t buy new anymore. Secondhand options include thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, Facebook marketplace, and more.
Scouring through the secondhand market also offers the thrill of the chase. You never know what you might find. Another added perk is that secondhand puzzles are usually less expensive than new puzzles.
Do you have old puzzles you want to clear out of your closet? Instead of dropping them off at Goodwill, you could trade them for gently used puzzles with people in your community. We recommend searching on Facebook for puzzle trading groups, and if one doesn’t exist in your area, you can always start it yourself. Puzzle trades are free, extend the life of each puzzle, and are a great way to meet fellow puzzlers near you.
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Joining a traveling puzzles group is like being pen pals with other puzzlers, but instead of letters, you send puzzles!
For example, the USA Jigsaw Association has a Traveling Puzzles program that you can join to get your hands on speed competition puzzles. There are puzzlers who informally start their own by posting on Instagram or Facebook and having people sign up to join the list. Anyone can start a traveling puzzle! In most cases, you only pay the cost to ship the puzzle to the next person. Not only is this an environmentally and budget-friendly idea, but you get to engage with hardcore puzzlers across the country.
For dedicated puzzlers, there’s nothing more frustrating than when a puzzle has a missing piece. However, instead of throwing the whole puzzle out, you can make your own replacement pieces. This keeps the puzzle in use and out of a landfill, and it’s a fun craft. Check out this video to see how it’s done.
If you want to buy new puzzles, we’re a big fan of supporting indie puzzle brands. Luckily, there are tons of amazing up-and-coming brands that use sustainable materials and processes. Check out this resource for some of our favorite environmentally conscious puzzle brands.
We’re all about eco-friendly practices at Completing the Puzzle. Our puzzle rental program keeps puzzles circulating instead of sitting on a shelf, and one tree is planted for every subscription purchased!
Along with being a sustainable option, a Completing the Puzzle membership is hassle-free. Simply add puzzles to your wishlist and we’ll ship them straight to your doorstep. When you’re done, send them back and we’ll ship out your next puzzle right away. You can enjoy a constant flow of puzzles from major brands and indie labels and feel good about the environmental impact of your favorite pastime.
Do you have a closet full of old puzzles that you don’t know what to do with? If you don’t see yourself reusing the puzzles, try turning them into fun art pieces and crafts instead. These activities are great for kids and adults, and they’re a creative way to turn your puzzle pieces into new works of art instead of throwing them out.
Puzzle pieces quickly become upcycled jewelry with this simple craft idea. You only need a few inexpensive supplies to make these stylish statement-piece earrings. Check out the tutorial here.
Looking for beautiful new art for your home but don’t want to spend a fortune? Try your hand at upcycled puzzle art for a one-of-a-kind piece that utilizes old puzzle pieces. The options for what you can create are endless, and it’s a fun way to spend a few hours. Check out the tutorial here.
For more inspiration, check out how this artist paints with puzzle pieces and how this artist creates sculptures with puzzle pieces.
Fill up an afternoon with these fun puzzle craft ideas for kids. Your kiddos will love creating their own puzzle art, and the crafts require minimal supplies. From puzzle trees to Christmas ornaments, these crafts give kids a chance to work with their hands and use their imaginations. When they’re done, you’ll have a new show-stopping piece to hang on your fridge.
Did you know that Completing the Puzzle is committed to being as sustainable as possible? We’ve planted over 8,100 trees since our founding in 2020, and we’re just getting started. We also recently switched our compostable puzzle bags to bags made out of recycled plastic, which are sturdier and better for reuse.
A Completing the Puzzle membership is a great way to enjoy puzzles and care for the planet. Sign up for a new membership today!
