5 ways to make natural dyes using food waste

Waste obtained from plants can be considered as important raw materials for natural dyes. Photos: Ummi Kalthum Junid

Instead of tossing out kitchen scrap, why not turn them into natural dyes, suggests natural dye maker Ummi Kalthum Junid, 35.

“Dyestuff is a term used for anything that can be used as a dye.The process of extracting colors varies for different plants, vegetables and fruits.

“By creating natural dyes, consumers can avoid buying synthetic dye cottons and help minimise the impact of chemicals and pollution, ” shared Ummi.

Turmeric, beetroot, avocado, cabbage and carrot are among items used to create natural dyes. Natural dye colours depend on how the ingredients react to the temperature.

Don't toss those vegetable scraps. It can be used to create natural dyes.

Ummi explaned, however, that natural colour pigments, when exposed to environmental conditions such as sunlight and pollution, will fade.

The objective of using kitchen waste as dye is to encourage consumers to convert thrash into something useful.

“Beside making compost, we can consider making dye out of kitchen waste.

“While not all kitchen scraps produce colour pigments, it is always fun to explore the possibilities, ” Ummi said.

Ingredients

• Peeled skin of any of these items: Onion, potato, garlic, ginger, carrot, or spring onion root
• Cellulose-base fabric like cotton, muslin, silk, or wool (washed and dried thoroughly)
• Stainless steel pot
• Water

Avacado seeds will bloom into a startling red ink when simmered in water.

Step 1

Place ingredients in the pot and add enough to cover the scraps. Bring ingredients to a boil and simmer for an hour; the water will be brownish in colour.

Step 2

Sieve out the scrap, make sure you get all the little bits and bobs out.

Step 3

Add in pieces of cloth you want to dye and simmer until the fabric reaches the desired colour. For a deeper colour, leave fabric in the cooled liquid overnight.

Step 4

For an intensified colour, repeat the dyeing process. This will also help improve resistance to fading.

Step 5

Remove cloth from the pot. Dry dyed cloth pieces in a shaded area.

Onion skin, spices and orange peel can be used to create natural dyes.