Is my craft killing the planet?

As a mother I'm familiar with guilt. I live with it every day. So it's probably no surprise that I feel guilty about my crafting ways. Not just because I get distracted with it and ignore my children (slight exaggeration obviously!) and let my house go to rack and ruin (no exaggeration) but I wonder what impact I'm having on the planet with what I make.

Yes, I'm making 'handmade' stuff - but the supplies have to be made somewhere don't they? How much water, electricity, pollution etc contributes to a metre of fabric? A piece of scrapbooking paper? A plastic diamante? Aaaaarrrggghhhhh!

For some months now I have been trying to rack my brain to come up with some crafty goodness that appeases my guilt. Finally I came up with something. What about a gift card that could be reused? Not recycled, but reused. I'm quite sure these already exist but this is my take on it.

(ok, for some reason every time I try and upload the picture to show you the inserts, internet explorer stops working. Annoying. There's a picture on my Facebook page though).
The first series I've made use minimal, yet what I believe to be striking, fabric offcuts. Most are embellished with a fabric covered button. Then they are finished with a simple ribbon ('cos that's my style - limited frou frou in my life!) and inside, there are 2 additional pieces of paper (yep, recycled office paper) where people can write their message. Then, after the sentiment wears off, or someone is simply frantically looking for a gift card in a hurry, that person simply pulls out that piece of paper and writes on the next, which can then be given to the next person. This can be repeated over and over again. Does that make sense??

I figure unless it's the birth of a baby, 1st birthday, wedding or some special and significant birthdate most people don't keep cards - so why not reuse them instead of just chucking them out??

I know, I know. I should be making recycled paper, using upcylced fabric and vintage buttons but the reality is, I already have all this stuff sitting on my craft table/dining table (they're one and the same). So I'm trying to use everything I have before I turn my hand to paper making etc etc. Mainly to declutter but also because taking up a new craft would likely result in a divorce.

So, guilt somewhat appeased for the minute, I will now move on to my next project - Christmas hair clips made from ribbon that's "Made in China". Sigh.....maybe I'll feel better if I go and turn off all the lights.

PS If you would like to appease your own guilt by buying one or some of my reusable cards, they're available on my Facebook page now.