Personally, I can't say I'm a big fan of Mărțișor. Not because I don't like receiving small gifts, but because most Mărțișor seem like a big waste to me. They are made to be worn once a year. Okay, a month, if you insist. After that, you put them back in the box. And they sit there, gathering dust.

And that's not even mentioning the cheap tin trinkets we find in markets, packaged, of course, in small plastic bags that no one recycles because they are too light and too small and get lost somewhere along the way. We'll rule those out starting now.

I think it's time to reinvent March 1st

It's a very beautiful custom, I won't deny it. It's a tradition, first and foremost. And traditions play a very important social role, they connect us better to the place where we live, strengthen communities, etc. And giving a gift is, after all, a sign of love, appreciation, and respect. So let's continue to offer Mărțișor, but let's offer them thoughtfully.

That means they should be useful to some extent, perhaps usable for the rest of the year, made from natural, biodegradable, or recyclable materials, ideally recycled themselves. They should be made in Romania, by people who are mindful of resources, nature, and other people. Or even by disadvantaged individuals, for whom selling Mărțișor is an important source of livelihood.

Let them truly be a symbol of spring, of rebirth, of connection with nature. And not just another piece of waste. In nature.

I've gathered a few ideas that seemed to me to satisfy at least some of the characteristics above. But the list remains open. And any suggestion you think fits can be immediately added. //f684203d98d7127b30c9b4c5d6788cbd.cdn.bubble.io/f1709033761894x906752370523798500/richtext_content.jpeg

My list of eco-friendly Mărțișor:

1. Recycled Mărțișor from other Mărțișor or donated to the charity shop La taica Lazar

2. Mărțișor made by Dor de lână, from wool salvaged from Buzău peasants who sheared their sheep

3. Jewelry made from recycled paper by Chiramo, a freshly listed supplier on eEco

4. Mărțișor that can be planted in pots, made from recycled paper mixed with wildflower and basil seeds, from Papeterria. A supplier that will soon be listed on the platform

5. Mărțișor in the form of solid perfume from De la Irina

6. Textile Mărțișor from Atelierul de pânză, made from fabric scraps by people with disabilities

7. Mărțișor made by Silviana from scraps of boiled wool from a clothing workshop

8. Jewelry made from recycled electronic components, from Precious Circuit

My favorites are the Mărțișor from points 3 and 8. Jewelry made from recycled paper and recycled electronics, because you can wear them all year round, but also because they look more luxurious :) A sign that the circular economy doesn't have to be bland.

And of course, you can always find inspiration in the Gift Ideas section, available all year round. Whether you want cosmetics made from natural ingredients, items made by Romanian designers and producers, books, or, why not, vouchers and experiences.