How Traditional Craftsmanship Can Lead the Green Revolution?

Crafts! An art of tailored perfection, a result of shared knowledge, and an evolution from

shared cultural practices. It is a result of products that stay rooted in our tradition while

evolving with modernism. However, there is a strong synergy between craft and

sustainability, which is essential to investigate systematically. The World Commission on

Environment and Sustainable Development in 1987 stated the definition of sustainability as

the inheritance from the past for the development of products in the present that do not

hamper the future. Taking inspiration from this, countless brands like Samakhya are taking

initiatives in establishing traditional craftsmanship. This has recognized the following

benefits:.

Benefits Of Traditional Craftsmanship

One of the imperative reasons to protect traditional craftsmanship is its ability to preserve

the cultural heritage. The craftsmen promote their art forms, establishing the strong

connection between beliefs, traditions, and values of a particular community while keeping

up the environmental benefits of the traditional crafts. This is benefiting the present and

future generations in the following ways.

Usage Of Natural Materials

Natural resources like land, water, air, forests, and minerals, are being used extensively,

resulting in overexploitation of resources and adverse consequences like wildfires,

deforestation, oil spills, and numerous ecological hazards. Sustainable practices defy

exploitation and use these resources in a manner that fulfills the present needs without

hampering the future. The process involves eco-friendly production that maintains the fine

line between environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity. Samakhya’s

organic cotton production is one of the examples of the same promoting biodegradability,

reusability, and economic growth.

Low Energy Usage

Energy production and consumption practices are leading to numerous environmental

problems like climate change, air pollution, water pollution, solid-waste disposal, thermal

pollution, and more. Sustainable artisan techniques of production help in preventing it.

For example, brands like Samakhya involve local artisans from marginal areas like Thar

Desert, who follow eco-friendly production, use traditional handcrafted techniques, and

create textiles that are harmless to both the environment and the consumers.

Minimal Waste

Solid, liquid, and gastric wastes from energy production and consumption pollute the

environment, leading to drastic global warming impacts. Amidst this, sustainable

craftsmanship has led to a green revolution, resulting in environment-protecting behavioral

practices adapted by companies. Samakhya’s sustainable and eco-friendly practices are

among one such example of a brand mastering zero-waste patterns. It involves the pattern

of upcycling, i.e., reducing, reusing, and recycling, to constantly produce textiles without

hampering the natural resources.

Biodiversity

Sustainable production mostly relies on eco-friendly resources and extensive use of

biodiversity, eliminating more reasons for energy consumption and pollution. Samakhya

illustrates the same by using sheep wool and pastoral fibers for textile and insulation

production. But it is not just about the 2% wool extracted for textile production. But they also

use the remaining 98% residue of pastoral fibers for sustainable production like thermal

insulation. This guarantees preservation of biodiversity.

Socio-Economic Impact

Sustainable textiles have led to a socio-economic revolution in the world, as today people

are applauding local craftsmanship, and businesses are increasing opportunities for the

same. This has lead to a social impact, empowering communities worldwide. Adopting social

practices and increasing ethical production opportunities, especially in the marginal areas,

has enhanced the socio-economic impact by guaranteeing fair wages, increasing

opportunities in the local areas, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and providing safe

working conditions for empowering local businesses. Samakhya encourages the same by

building a force of local craftsmen resourced with eco-friendly and modern technology for

production.

Cultural Preservation

Traditional cultural heritage is a wide tapestry of vibrancy, locally resourced raw material,

and eco-friendly production. Traditional craftsmanship endures the same and produces

items boasting the rich heritage of traditional art and craft that has been passed down

through generations. Brands like Samakhya are acknowledging the same and extracting

these sustainable practices that are positively impacting the present and saving the future.

Their eco-friendly textile production channel is exemplary of harmless production and

security of the environment.

Challenges And Opportunities

While traditional craftsmanship is opening more doors to sustainability, it also faces several

challenges.

Modern Market Pressure: Innovating While Preserving Tradition

The modern market introduces frequent technological advancements, threatening the

survival of traditional craftsmanship. The younger generation is less likely to learn these

skills and continue traditional methods. To avoid this modern market pressure and preserve

tradition, brands like Samakhya are promoting more opportunities for the artisans in the rural

areas. This synergy has led to modern innovative sustainable artisan techniques that also

preserve tradition.

Consumer Awareness: Educating On Benefits

Consumer awareness for promoting green revolution and participating in sustainable

practices is gradually taking a drift, with a rise of 62% of sustainable consumerism globally.

For this, brands like Samakhya have been in business for the past 35 years, educating

myriads of people about sustainability, environmental preservation, and a secured future.

Bottom Line

Traditional craftsmanship is the only path towards sustainability, eco-friendly production,

and a greener planet. Make your contribution to a better future by expanding your knowledge

on traditional crafts and encouraging local artisans and traditional practices to reach the

wider world. This is the only tangible link left to stay rooted to the rich cultural heritage while

preserving the future.