Can buying handmade save the world?  The people at Etsy Earth certainly think so and with good reason.  Buying handmade often means supporting local artists, small business and minimizing your impact on the planet (since hand made items do not create anywhere near the amount of pollution that mass produced items do).

So what can you buy hand made?

A whole lot: From skincare products, to jewelry, clothing, picture frames, photographs, notebooks and more.   Most of the sellers in the handmade movement are micro business owners with immense love and passion for what they do (can’t say the same for your mass produced frame from Target).

At ydt, we are personally inspired by the handmade movement because it encourages us to a take a step back from constantly buying “stuff” to supporting an act of creativity while also lessening your carbon footprint through the purchase (compared to buying it through a big retailer).

Want to learn more about the Handmade Movement?

Watch Handmade Nation – a documentary that chronicles the growth of the independent craft movement that is happening across America right now.

Check out Etsy – Etsy is a mecca for all things handmade.  We’re big fans of Etsy Earth (an Etsy team dedicated to supporting Earth Friendly Products), Eco Esty ( Etsy sellers dedicated to reducing, reusing and recycling) and Etsy Organic (a team dedicated to supporting items that use at least 25% organic content).

Take the Buy Handmade Pledge.  Next time you need to get a gift or purchase something, see if there is a viable handmade option.  Not only will you be doing good, you’ll show off how culturally connected you are (j/k—but you’ll definitely show that you’re an out of the box thinker).

If you need more inspiration, check out this video as to why you should buy handmade.  Even better, if you have a creative idea to make yourself, get in on Etsy and join in the movement.

Buy Handmade Video from Etsy on Vimeo.

Tags: Buy Hand made, crafting, DIY, earth friendly gifts, Etsy, etsy earth, hand made nation, independent design, organic gifts