Written by:
Christi Farrell, RA, Leed GA
Updated:
December 20, 2023
Image source:
Studio Marlowe
The interior design industry is increasingly heeding the call for ethical production and sustainability, recognizing the impact that the sourcing and creation of home goods have on both the planet and the wellbeing of its inhabitants.
At the forefront of this shift is Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program, a pivotal initiative that aligns the need for environmental responsibility with the wellness movement in homes.
In this comprehensive guide, we shall delve into what this program entails and its relevance to healthy interior design, supplemented with a helpful FAQ section.
Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program is an innovative model aiming to advance the wellbeing of artisan workers, ensure sustainable production techniques, and provide transparency to consumers seeking ethically made products for their homes.
By integrating health-focused design principles with fair labor practices, Nest's program creates a blueprint for conscientious consumerism within the realm of interior decoration.
The program's foundation is built on a set of compliance standards that prioritize the welfare of artisans, authenticity in materials, and conservation of traditional handcrafted techniques.
Artisans under the program are supported through improved work conditions, fair wages, and access to global markets, which is vital in sustaining artisanal communities while fostering healthy living environments for consumers.
The integrity of materials used in product creation is central to the ethos of healthy interior design.
Nest's program emphasizes the use of non-toxic, natural, and renewable materials.
This not only safeguards the health of those crafting the items but also ensures that the end-products contribute to a healthy, indoor living space for consumers.
A core aspect of the Ethical Handcraft Program is the prioritization of mindful manufacturing processes that are environmentally friendly and reduce ecological footprints.
By implementing these sustainable practices, the program directly impacts the health of the planet, which in turn reflects in the creation of healthier homes.
Consumers are increasingly seeking transparency in how products are made, wanting reassurance that their home furnishings do not contribute to environmental degradation or exploit labor.
The Ethical Handcraft Program's commitment to ethical standards and transparency aligns with this consumer awareness, enriching the trust between artisans, brands, and homeowners.
What does 'ethical handcraft' mean?
Ethical handcraft refers to the creation of artisan goods in a way that respects the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of the workers and the communities involved.
How does the program improve the lives of artisans?
The program ensures artisans receive fair pay, work in safe environments, and have the opportunity to sustain traditional crafts and methods, thus preserving cultural heritage.
Why should homeowners care about ethical handcraft in their interior design choices?
Choosing ethically handcrafted goods positively affects the health of the inhabitants by reducing exposure to toxic materials and also supports the larger global initiative for ethical labor practices and sustainability.
How can consumers identify products made under the Ethical Handcraft Program?
Participating companies and products may feature a 'Nest Seal of Ethical Handcraft' or similar indicators on their labeling or product description, signifying adherence to the program's ethical guidelines.
West Elm, renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices, has embraced the Ethical Handcraft Program, offering a range of thoughtfully produced homeware.
By participating in the program, West Elm assures its customers of the integrity behind each piece, fostering a healthy home and a healthier world.
Pottery Barn recognizes that timeless design needs to be rooted in timeless values.
Through its partnership with Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program, it reinforces this perspective by ensuring that even as trends come and go, the ethical foundation of their products remains steadfast.
Anthropologie, with its eclectic and bohemian charm, has incorporated the program into its sourcing strategy.
Shoppers at Anthropologie can now find items that are not only unique and visually compelling but also carry the weight of ethical crafting conducive to a healthy and socially responsible lifestyle.
Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program is a beacon of progress in the interior design industry.
It supports the notion that healthy homes extend beyond the physical space and into the realm of ethical considerations, stretching out to the hands that craft the products we live with.
For conscientious consumers, adopting products from this program means not only fostering personal wellbeing but also contributing to a sustainable and equitable ecosystem of production.
As interior design continues to evolve, the partnership between aesthetics and ethics is becoming inseparable.
The program's success lies in its ability to intertwine beauty, wellness, and social responsibility, manifesting in homes that nurture both the body and the soul.
With companies like West Elm, Pottery Barn, and Anthropologie on board, there's an uplifting message for the industry: ethical handcraft isn't just an option – it's the future of home design.
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Contributor
Christi is a licensed architect and interior designer specializing in sustainability. She enjoys teaching design and bringing transparency to the impact that furniture has on our planet.
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