Today’s post was triggered by recent Etsy update concerning sustainability of handmade products sold on the platform. From now on small business owners in certain categories can choose if items they sell are made sustainably. From my point of view shopping handmade is more sustainable in general. Let me explain.

When you look up definition of being sustainable, Google tells you that: Sustainability consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being.

Of course there are different types of sustainability, such as environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability. If you would like to know more, click here.

Why Shopping Handmade Is More Sustainable

You not only support a small business but also shop more responsibly by choosing to shop handmade items. Handmade business owners don’t produce large quantities of products that will end up in the landfills if they don’t sell. Some of handmade businesses have a small stock ready to ship, others are making items to order. This allows them to prevent waste of materials and resources.

Some of them also handle their shipping materials in eco friendly way, by reusing cardboard boxes and bubble wrap that would otherwise end up in the landfill.

Handmade businesses also pay more attention to materials used to create their products. That’s why I use certified yarn and fabrics tested for harmful substances.

WigglyTailsCreations Approach to Sustainability

As I mentioned in previous paragraph, I choose materials for my dog toys and accessories carefully. It helps me choose good quality yarn and fabrics and also helps me make sure that end product is safe for pets and their humans.

In the future I would like to find ways to use recycled materials to give them new life.

Most of my products are made to order. This means that when you place your order, only then I start creating your item. This means that processing time might be slightly longer than what Amazon has gotten us used to.

Processing Time For Handmade Products

Processing time is the time between customer placing an order and maker shipping said order. My approach to handling processing time is to make sure that your items will ship in reasonable time. For most of my products processing time is 1-3 days. Otherwise processing time is 3-5 days, depending on how long it takes to make the item.

Shopping handmade has its pros and cons. Major con of shopping handmade products is processing time. Especially if you are used to next day delivery or ‘need it yesterday’. Major pro of shopping handmade is the sustainability factor and the fact that your items were created just for you.

What are your thoughts on sustainability aspect of handmade products? Let me know 🙂