Sustainable Materials & Returning to Traditional Practices

Carnival costumes have long been celebrated for their vibrant colours and intricate designs, yet their reliance on conventional materials has raised environmental concerns. However, a growing awareness of sustainability has catalysed a shift in the UK carnival community towards the use of eco-friendly materials. This transformation not only supports global efforts to reduce environmental impact but also enhances cultural celebrations with innovative, sustainable practices (Fletcher, 2012; Gwilt & Rissanen, 2011). 

Issues Facing Foam-based Costumes

The cultural and artistic development of foam carnival costumes has been notable for enabling spectacular and imaginative designs crucial to carnival aesthetics. However, transitioning to sustainable materials presents significant challenges. Foam, while versatile and lightweight, is derived from petrochemicals, posing environmental concerns regarding biodegradability and toxicity (Smith, 2021). As the carnival industry seeks sustainable alternatives, issues such as material availability, cost, and maintaining the same visual impact and durability arise (Johnson, 2022). This shift is essential for environmental sustainability but requires innovation and commitment from designers and stakeholders to preserve the cultural essence of carnival celebrations. 

Sustainable Materials

In response to environmental challenges, designers and makers in the UK carnival industry are increasingly turning to sustainable materials: Upcycled and Recycled Fabrics: By repurposing textiles such as old garments and curtains, designers minimize waste and contribute to a circular economy. This approach aligns with sustainable principles and offers creative opportunities for unique costume designs (Fletcher, 2012).  

Organic and Natural Fibers: Embracing materials like organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo reduces the environmental impact of costume production. These fibres are grown with fewer chemicals, promoting biodiversity and sustainability in costume design (Gwilt & Rissanen, 2011).  

Biodegradable Embellishments: Designers are exploring biodegradable sequins, buttons, and other adornments that break down naturally, minimizing ecological harm. This innovation integrates sustainability into costume aesthetics (Colwill, 2018).  

Dyeing Techniques with Low Environmental Impact: Eco-friendly dyeing methods, such as plant-based and water-based dyes, reduce the carbon footprint and pollution associated with traditional dyeing processes (Muthu, 2014).  

Long-lasting and Versatile Designs: Sustainable costumes are designed for durability and reuse, promoting longevity and reducing waste in the carnival industry (Niinimäki, 2013). 

Returning to Traditional Practices

Returning to traditional and older methods of carnival costume and float making, such as willow lantern making and paper mâché using natural materials, presents significant environmental benefits. These practices emphasize the use of sustainable materials that are biodegradable and locally sourced, reducing the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of carnival paraphernalia (Smith, 2021). 

Carl Gabriel

Carnival pioneer and friend of UKCCA - Carl Gabriel, also known as "The Wireman," is celebrated for his masterful use of traditional materials and methods in his stunning creations. His artistry with wire bending, papier-mâché, and other classic techniques brings intricate, large-scale sculptures to life, embodying the vibrant spirit of carnival. Carl's work honors cultural heritage while showcasing the potential of sustainable materials. Through his dedication to these time-honored practices, he inspires both artists and audiences, ensuring that the rich traditions of carnival craftsmanship continue to thrive and evolve, while promoting environmental consciousness in the art of celebration.

Rhian Kempadoo Millar

Rhian Kempadoo Millar is celebrated for her innovative costume designs, which seamlessly blend sustainable materials with traditional costume-making methods. Her practice emphasises the use of eco-friendly fabrics, natural dyes, and recycled elements, ensuring each creation is both environmentally conscious and visually stunning. By integrating time-honored techniques such as hand-stitching, embroidery, and fabric manipulation, Rhian pays homage to the rich history of costume design while pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. Her work not only promotes sustainability in the arts but also inspires a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and the cultural significance of traditional garment-making practices.

Handmade Parade

Handmade Parade is renowned for their use of willow structures, a technique deeply rooted in traditional British folk traditions. Willow, a sustainable and flexible material, is expertly woven to create intricate, dynamic frameworks for their captivating parade sculptures and puppets. This method harks back to ancient practices of crafting with natural resources, connecting contemporary parades to historical customs of rural festivals and seasonal celebrations. By incorporating willow structures, Handmade Parade not only emphasises environmental sustainability but also honors and revitalises Britain's rich cultural heritage, blending the past with the present in their vibrant, community-driven artistic expressions.

Willow is a rapidly renewable resource that can be harvested annually without causing long-term harm to ecosystems. Utilizing willow for lanterns or structural elements in floats not only diminishes reliance on synthetic materials but also promotes the preservation of traditional craftsmanship skills (Jones, 2019). Similarly, paper mâché made from recycled papers and natural adhesives such as starch or flour paste offers a low-impact alternative to plastics and other non-biodegradable materials commonly used in costume and float production (Brown, 2020). 

These methods align with circular economy principles, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible and regeneration of natural systems is encouraged. By reverting to these traditional techniques, carnival celebrations can contribute to environmental sustainability while fostering cultural heritage and community engagement (Taylor, 2022). 

While the return to traditional practices has clear environmental advantages, it also presents several challenges. One major issue is the limited availability and potentially higher cost of sustainable raw materials, which can hinder scalability and accessibility (Smith, 2021).  

Additionally, these traditional techniques often require more labour-intensive processes, which can be less efficient and more time-consuming compared to modern methods (Jones, 2019). Such factors can discourage adoption, especially in larger-scale productions that face tight budgets and deadlines (Brown, 2020).