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.
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