Best Ethical Retailers to Buy Art & Craft Supplies
When it comes to buying art and craft supplies, it's not just about finding the right materials for your project - it's also important to consider the ethics of where you're buying them from. Supporting ethical and socially responsible businesses not only helps the environment and local economy, but it also ensures that the workers involved in the supply chain are being treated fairly. In this post, we'll explore some of the best places to ethically buy art and craft supplies, with a focus on local and minority-owned businesses.
Dharma Trading Co.
Dharma Trading Co. is a California-based company that specializes in eco-friendly, low-impact dyes for fabric. They also offer a wide range of other supplies, including yarn, silk painting supplies, and more. All of their products are sourced from sustainable and ethical sources, and the company has a commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
Natural Art Supplies
Natural Art Supplies conducts business a little bit differently as they go out of our way to source art products and curate a collection that does as little harm as possible to people, communities, and the environment. All of the products they represent are natural, organic, green, fair trade, eco-friendly, and or carry a social mission. Each product carries a story, of the artisan who lovingly created it, where the materials originated, or the centuries-old methods used to produce it.
The Black Art Depot
The Black Art Depot is a black-owned business that specializes in African American art and decor. They offer a wide range of materials, including paints, brushes, canvases, and more. The company is committed to supporting black artists and communities and has a focus on ethical sourcing.
Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace that features a wide range of handmade and vintage items, including art and craft supplies. You can find unique and one-of-a-kind materials on Etsy that may not be available at traditional arts and crafts stores. Etsy supports the creator who made the item and you can find something unique every day!
Local Art Supply Stores
Finally, it's important to consider your local art supply stores when looking for ethical sources of materials. Many small, independent stores have a focus on sourcing from local and sustainable sources, and may have a wider range of eco-friendly and ethically sourced materials than larger chain stores. Supporting local businesses also helps to strengthen the local economy and build community.
There are many places to ethically buy art and craft supplies, whether you're looking for sustainable fabrics or non-toxic paint. By supporting small, local, and minority-owned businesses, we can ensure that our art and craft projects have a positive impact on both the environment and the communities involved in the supply chain. What are some of your favorites?
