products promote both ethical production and sustainable practices. For a product to be considered ‘artisanal,’ it must be handcrafted. When purchasing from a business that prides itself on artisanal production, the customer can feel reassured that the money spent is being funneled towards uplifting artisanal communities, providing financial and economic benefits for workers while also preserving the traditional heritage and skills that go into crafting the product. 

Since artisanal products are created through slow production, this indicates that these products also reflect initiatives of sustainability and environmental consciousness. Purchasing handmade goods will almost always be a more sustainable option, since crafting products by hand relinquishes the need for heavy machines and mass assembly lines, therefore generating less energy, less waste, and ultimately, less pollution. The ingredients and materials that artisans utilize are also more likely to be organic, natural, and toxin-free, as they are usually derived from sources like local farms and fields that have been around for multiple generations. Sustainable materials are also more likely to create timeless products of a higher quality. 

 Although many artisanal brands lack major third-party certifications that can verify their eco-conscious initiatives and goals, we recognize that obtaining certifications is a costly and time-consuming journey. Although slow manufacturing in artisanal products already denotes a commitment to ethics and sustainability, we acknowledge the reality that not all artisanal companies possess the finances and resources to pursue certifications that can verify their claims. Yet, this should not invalidate an artisanal business’s efforts and ambitions of contributing to a healthier planet and to empowering local craftspeople. 

In a world where mass production and unethical supply chains are becoming increasingly present, artisanal production serves as a refreshing alternative for the conscious consumer.  

LEARN MORE: Finding Ethics and Sustainability within Artisanal Production