How to Forage Without Hurting the Environment: An Ethical Guide to Harvesting Natural Elements For Crafts

Foraging is one of my favorite ways to connect with nature. Whether I’m gathering materials for my shop, Back to Roots Co., or just enjoying the process, I always make sure to forage responsibly. It’s not just about taking from the earth—it’s about giving back and ensuring these natural resources remain for future generations. If you’re new to foraging or just want to be more mindful, here are the ethical foraging practices I follow.

1. Know Your Plants

Before you start foraging, proper plant identification is key—not just for sustainability but also for your safety.

• If you’re not 100% sure what a plant is, don’t pick it. I’m not an expert forager, but I do collect natural materials from time to time for my business, using them in candles, jewelry, and other handmade pieces. Even then, I always strive to forage responsibly, taking only what I need and being mindful of the environment. When it comes to foraging for food, I never harvest anything unless I’m 100% certain of its identity—misidentifying plants, especially edible ones, can be dangerous. Even with crafting materials, I make sure I’m not disturbing anything vital to the local ecosystem.

• Mushrooms can be stunning in work, but some are deadly. Mushrooms can add a beautiful touch to resin art or dried crafts, but misidentifying them can be dangerous. Even if you’re not eating them, some mushrooms contain toxic compounds that can be harmful to touch or inhale when drying. If you’re interested in incorporating mushrooms into your work, I recommend thoroughly studying one or two easily identifiable species and sticking to them. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with an expert or bring one along if you plan on harvesting extensive

•   Here’s a quick list of sources and books I recommend using as I have personally found them helpful.

  • Southeast Foraging by Chris Bennett – I borrowed this book from a friend and ended up reading it cover to cover. Once I returned it, I knew I had to get my own copy!I  It is definitely a must-read if you live in the Southeastern US like me!

  • The Lost Ways by Claude Davis – While technically not strictly a foraging guide, it’s packed with fascinating information about old pioneer survival techniques. Covering everything from water storage to rendering lard.  However, It also includes basic information on basic edible wild plants and the pioneers’ “universal edibility test,” which I found especially intriguing when learning about. 

  • PictureThis – Plant Identifier (App) – This app can be a helpful tool, though I wouldn’t rely on it alone for plant identification. Instead, I use it as a secondary source to double-check something I’ve already identified. In my experience, it’s fairly accurate and even provides useful details on plant care, common diseases, and a plant diagnosis feature for troubleshooting issues with your plants. All with the initial app features being free!

     

2. The Do’s & Don’ts of Ethical Harvesting

I like to think of foraging as a partnership with nature. Here’s how to make sure you’re taking responsibly:

•  DO: Follow the Rule of Thirds – When foraging—whether for food or crafting—it's important to harvest responsibly. A general guideline is to take no more than 10% of a plant population in a given area. Another common approach is the "rule of thirds," which suggests harvesting only one-third of what’s available from a plant. Overharvesting can disrupt the ecosystem, so being mindful ensures the plant remains healthy in its natural habitat and that there’s plenty left for both wildlife and future foragers.
• DO: Harvest Invasive Plants Freely – There are exceptions to the 1/3 rule. Some species in the Southeastern U.S. are highly invasive, and when you come across them, you can harvest as much as you want without worry. Examples include Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), English ivy (Hedera helix), and kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata).

   

  

  When foraging, I recommend familiarizing yourself with invasive plants in your area so you can confidently gather them. In fact, kudzu is excellent for basket weaving—so it might be the perfect time to pick up a new hobby and craft yourself a foraging basket!

• DO: Check Local Foraging Laws – Before heading out, check local regulations, as some parks and public lands require permits or have restrictions. A quick check can prevent legal trouble. This is especially important in state and national parks, where foraging is often limited. While nuts, berries, and some foliage may be permitted for personal use, harvesting wood or root products is typically prohibited.
• DON'T: Foraging in Polluted Areas – Avoid gathering from roadsides, industrial zones, or areas treated with pesticides. Many plants absorb toxins from the soil, making them unsafe for both consumption and crafts. Well-maintained neighborhoods, park landscapes, and highway edges often contain plants used to absorb heavy metals and pollutants—making them unsuitable for foraging. Some pesticides can also cause skin irritation, even if you're only using the plants for crafting.
• DON'T: Overharvesting or Damaging the Habitat – Be mindful of how you collect materials. Follow the 1/3 rule—harvest no more than one-third of a plant or plant population to ensure its continued growth. Avoid uprooting entire plants or stripping bark, as this can cause lasting harm to the ecosystem.

3. Giving Back to Nature

Foraging isn’t just about taking—it’s about creating balance. Here’s how I make sure I give back:

•  Scatter Native Seeds – Carry and drop seeds of beneficial plants like swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) to support pollinators and biodiversity.
• Pick Up Trash – Every time I forage, I take a moment to clean up any litter I find. It’s a small action, but it makes a difference.
• Remove Invasive Species – Help native plants thrive by pulling up invasive species like kudzu (Pueraria montana), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and English ivy (Hedera helix) as I mentioned before!
•  Return Organic Matter to the Earth – Leave behind natural fertilizers like crushed eggshells, perishable produce, or other compostable materials to enrich the soil.

These are the practices I follow when I forage for my handmade goods at Back to Roots Co. By harvesting responsibly, we can enjoy nature’s gifts while ensuring they stay abundant for generations to come.

Happy foraging!