Why Buying Custom Is More Sustainable than Retail

Take furniture, for instance. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans now discard more than five times the amount of furniture waste compared to what was thrown away in 1960. Unfortunately, this trend extends to many other products as well.

By contrast, hand-crafted items —from custom furniture to custom jewelry— are a smarter investment for both your wallet and the environment.

The Environmental Impact of Mass-produced Products

Despite their low costs, mass-produced goods like clothing and furniture have a significant impact on the environment. Let’s explore how conventional products affect nature.

Carbon Footprint

To manufacture commercially produced goods, most companies consume excessive amounts of energy and rely on non-renewable resources like petroleum. Additionally, these goods are often produced far from retail stores. As a result, producing and transporting these goods generate a high amount of carbon emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution.

Environmental Degradation

Many large corporations exploit delicate ecosystems, all in the name of profit. IKEA is a good example: only half of IKEA’s furniture products come from certified “sustainable” forests. But, where does the other half come from? The Swedish retailer has faced severe backlash for sourcing its wood from areas linked to illegal harvesting.

Similarly, big fashion brands like Shein use toxic dyes and chemicals to create tons of trendy clothes. Since this practice is extremely common among fashion brands, the fashion industry is now responsible for approximately 20% of global water pollution.

Waste

Another common problem with retail products is their short lifespan. Many of these products are designed to be cheap, not durable. That’s why most retail goods and products from online marketplaces like Temu end up in landfills within a few months of purchase. This creates a massive problem for the environment, wildlife, and municipal waste management.

Why are Custom Products More Sustainable than Retail Options?

Sustainable Materials

Unlike large businesses, most local artisans prioritize sustainable materials. Instead of solely relying on virgin resources, local makers often use recycled materials or reclaimed wood. They are also more likely to use locally-sourced materials to create your custom products, which is more eco-friendly than sourcing materials from across the globe.

Reduced Waste

Local makers either produce items on demand or in small batches. This approach helps them use resources more efficiently and ensures there is no overproduction. Additionally, high-quality custom-made pieces are more durable than cheap mass-produced goods, helping you reduce the need for replacements.

Thanks to these practices, custom products from local makers generate significantly less waste than conventional options.

Lower Carbon Footprint

The main difference between custom products and retail goods lies in how they are made. While mass-produced goods are typically made in large factories, custom-made pieces are usually handcrafted locally. As you can imagine, large factories consume far more energy than a local maker's workshop or studio.

We can also compare where these products are made. Mass-produced goods are often manufactured overseas, whereas custom-made pieces are typically crafted by local artisans in your city or country. Not only does locally sourced production cut down the product’s journey to your doorstep, but it also reduces the carbon emissions linked to transportation.

As a result, local custom-made products are far more environmentally friendly.

Luckily, hand-crafted products from local makers are much more environmentally friendly. Here’s why custom-made products offer a more sustainable alternative:

The Benefits of Choosing Custom Products

While protecting the environment is important, there are many other reasons to choose custom pieces, from sustainable toys to ethical clothing:

Save Money

It’s no secret that custom products often come with a higher upfront cost compared to mass-produced items. That said, it’s crucial to consider the quality and durability of these products as well. Keep in mind that custom products are usually made with better materials and much more attention to detail. Therefore, investing in durable products will help you save money in the long run, as you won’t need frequent replacements or repairs.

Personalization

Do you like unique pieces that can’t be found anywhere else?

Then, you’ll love custom-made products. Sustainable, local products are handcrafted just for you. The beauty of handmade products is that no two are alike, making them one-of-a-kind pieces. You won’t need to worry about having the same furniture as your neighbors or running into someone wearing the same outfit anymore.

Additionally, local makers can create custom pieces that meet your specific needs, whether it’s sustainable furniture that perfectly fits your space requirements, home decor that matches your home’s aesthetic, fashionable jewelry that suits your personality, and more.

Support the Local Economy

Buying custom products from local artisans and makers is a good way to support small businesses and your local economy. When you buy custom products, you’re also promoting ethical and sustainable practices. Unlike mass-produced goods, handmade products are made with care and love.

Final Thoughts

Opting for custom-made products from local makers opens up a world of possibilities. Besides being a more sustainable alternative, custom products adapt to your unique needs and style, promote local economic growth, support local craftsmanship, and help you save money in the long run.

Can’t find local makers to bring your ideas to life? Check out our curated community of Makers and find one-of-a-kind products to suit your needs and style!

Sources:

• Durable Goods: Product-Specific Data | US EPA. (2024, November 8). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/durable-goods-product-specific-data#FurnitureandFurnishings
• Ikea furniture linked to illegal Russian logging, investigation finds. (2021, July 15). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/ikea-likely-sold-furniture-linked-illegal-logging-forests-crucial-earth-n1273745
• The impact of textile production and waste on the environment (infographics) | Topics | European Parliament. (n.d.). Topics | European Parliament. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20201208STO93327/the-impact-of-textile-production-and-waste-on-the-environment-infographics