A question we were asked recently was, “what is a sustainable maker?”
The answer to this is quite complex. Many people think it is just using recycled or reclaimed materials, but sustainability is about so much more than this one element.
The United Nations in 2015 launched the 17 Sustainable Goals that all member states adopted, in an urgent call to action in global partnership both developing and developed countries. These goals cover everything from zero poverty and hunger to sustainable cities and communtities. It is certainly worth a read.
As a maker and retailer, we have a responsibility to both you as the consumer and to the planet and the people upon it. By adopting a ‘cradle to grave’ outlook, we can try and identify areas where we can improve, change, and help towards these goals. For instance, by only using reclaimed, recycled or repurposed wood, not only are we saving some trees, but we are supporting local charities where we source a lot of wood from. By supporting them, in turn it supports their volunteers, which means they can carry on with their community work. If we need something that we just cannot find by these means then we need to know where that item has come from. When it was produced, could it be likely that child labour was involved? Are the workers getting fair pay and conditions, access to adequate housing and education? What carbon footprint is it costing to have that product. These are just some of the questions we ask.
In our making process, we try to use metal fixings that can be removed if needed such as Chicago screws instead of rivets. This is thinking ahead to the ‘grave’ end of a product where these can be removed and reused. We try to ensure that any wax, lacquer or such is not going to have any environmental impact, either in the making of a product or if ultimately it was discarded to landfill. But this is what we strive so hard to avoid. By making a product that is well thought, designed and made, the hope is that not only will it last a long time, that you as a consumer will form an emotional connection and not want to discard it. This is why we put so much thought into how and why a product is made. So what happens in the event something breaks? Well we are here to help. We can reseat a set of falls into a new handle for instance. With items such as wooden paddles, by making sure we work within the limitations and strengths of the wood in the design, this helps to ensure that it is not going to break whilst you are playing. Some designs on the market can be so fancy and intricate but have taken away the strength from the long grain of the wood then sadly your paddle will be on borrowed time.
So what happens at the ‘grave’ point of a products life? By trying to minimise as much plastic and non-degradable materials from our products, in 500 years we will not be digging up complete Ravenwerks items! Think of all those plastic handles for instance that are very common place. Or lumps of resin or acrylic(which can be recycled in the right place). We need to be thinking about all of these things when we put our unwanted toys into landfill, and as makers helping you to avoid doing this.
So as a consumer what can you do?
Ask questions! Never be afraid to ask any questions from the company you are buying from. A responsible maker will be more than happy to take the time to answer all your questions. This will help you make a conscious and informed choice on your purchase.
#kinkcanbegreen