What does ethical manufacturing actually mean (and why should I care)?
What does ethical manufacturing actually mean (and why should I care)?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, it’s no secret that the world is amidst a history making situation. We’re experiencing such hardship, loss, disconnection and uncertainty. However, on the sunshine and rainbows flipside, I believe we’re being shown a glimpse into an opportunity for great change. Let me explain…
Speaking in relation to the design and decoration industry, we are now seeing the adverse impact of replying on the superpower nations of the world as suppliers of our products, materials and resources. For example, those suppliers who are importing furniture from China and the likes, have been finding it challenging to get the stock here or are dealing with shortages. That has a huge flow affect to one’s business and bottom line at the end of the day.
I believe businesses have a responsibility to improve the world and leave the planet in a better state than they found it.
Through all of this, is it not time now, more than ever before, that we’re more mindful of the positive impact we can have on our economy by supporting both Australian made manufacturing and those minority offshore artisan communities?
I've written about an interior designers role in sustainability and I’ve shared my guide to ethical manufacturing which lists my top suppliers in the industry. But what does ethical manufacturing really mean?
Our nation is full of talented craftspeople, artists and makers, so when we purchase their wares, we’re supporting the actual people behind those businesses, we’re contributing to fair trade wages & safe working conditions, helping to directly put food on a family’s table while strengthening and putting money back into our local economy.
US based luxury brand, Janery, agrees on the matter. “On a global scale, ethical manufacturing focuses on the good health, safety, and fair compensation of the workforce”. These best practices often include a commitment to minimising waste, thorough product testing, and proper labelling. When you can source your favourite products ethically, you know you’re voting for companies that respect the time, energy, and talent that goes into each and every product.
Wouldn’t this be great if it were the norm - instead of the exception”?
Yes, ethical manufacturing will always cost more than sweatshop labor, because it reflects the true value of what you are purchasing.
So when you’re next looking at updating your interior and redecorating, try to shop consciously and replace even one or two pieces of furniture from “big box stores” and instead opt to support ethical manufacturers, makers and artists.
Materials which are sourced locally also help our environment by reducing long freight hauls. To help you on this quest of supporting our environment & economy, have a read through my favourite suppliers who are flying the flag for supporting locally made and ethically sourced products here.
Celebrate the wins, all of them.
We often strive so hard to accomplish a goal and yet when we reach it, it’s like “ok great, what’s next?” I’m very guilty of this. However, I think I’ve learned now it’s so so important to just stop, and really celebrate those wins. I don’t mean you need to go out for a boozy lunch or buy yourself a new pair of shoes every time you do something well (although those things are super fun for bigger wins so I’m all for them!) It could be as simple as buying yourself a new book you’ve been eyeing off, or going for a walk or doing a yoga class in the middle of the day.
Regardless of the size of the win, celebrate it! I remember sending out my first email newsletter to my database, and honestly, at the time it felt like the biggest achievement in my world. I’d had so much unnecessary fear around sending it out, but I eventually put on my big girl pants and did it anyway. And you know what? The response was incredible! I started getting replies literally flooding into my inbox from people saying how much they loved the content I was sharing and that they were so happy for me. I couldn’t believe it.
So I celebrated! It was nothing over the top or fancy but the next day I took the morning off and went to my favourite cafe and treated myself to breakfast. As I sat there, I smiled to myself, knowing I’d done good, I’d taken one step closer to my goals, even though it was “just” an email newsletter.
I also find it helpful and motivating to keep a running list of my wins. It’s super exciting to see how far I’ve come and looking back at what was a win in the early days e.g. setting up my accounting system on Xero to now what is a win e.g. getting a project published in a major national magazine. It’s all part of the journey, every single little step forward. So celebrate those wins!
