“Sustainability consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being.” – says a text book definition of the term ‘sustainability’ from the University of Alberta.
And while we agree with most definitions Google spits out upon searching for this particular term, we are eager to share our own take in this concept.
As an ethical and sustainable jewelry brand we oftentimes find ourselves caught up in conversations around the meaning and intention of sustainability in our world and particularly in our own business. In times where sustainability and greenwashing go hand in hand it matters to us to give updates on our continuous efforts and commitment to question our processes in place around the creation of our ethically sustainable jewelry. This is what this blogpost is for. We love to share our take on sustainability as well as our intention around it.
Sustainability in today’s world
From a consumer’s perspective, we very often can’t know how sustainable and ethical a business really is. The buzzword ‘sustainability’ and the ‘bandwagon effect’ of mainstream brands who bring in the desire to convey impressions of having changed their practices for the benefit of our planet (but don’t actually hold up their promises in the long run) has sadly watered-down the intention and impact actual sustainable jewelry brands strive to have in today’s world.
Simultaneously the public demand and growing external expectations for transparency around environmental, social, and governance performance, including a jewelry company’s contributions to local economies has increased with the improved availability of information for the consumer.
What does sustainability mean for us?
From our point of view sustainability is a term that is
- inclusive of not only practices and choices that are considerate of our planet and material resources,
- everything and everyone that makes up the ecosystem that surrounds us as a brand,
- and that impact both directly and indirectly on our employees, suppliers, and the world’s eco-system
We believe in educating and empowering everyone to make more considerate and conscious consumer purchases. To make the availability of choice clear and present is one of the main points of our sustainability strategy.
Our ways
We stand for mindful intention, sustainability, and responsible consumerism. It is crucial to us to create a community that uplifts each other and that connects over the same values and principles.
Our messaging and mission weave like a red thread through all aspects of our business. It matters to us to pursue a purpose that takes action to make the world a better place in a way that's relevant to the brand, good for the planet and our communities, and meaningful to the people who choose their products.
Sustainability is an ongoing process, with new products, materials and procedures under way. We do our best to stay on top of new developments and constantly question our current practices for potential improvement.
Giving back
We are never tired of saying it over and over again:
We are in business to improve lives. We believe that a better tomorrow is one where community thrives.
Over the years we have supported a variety of initiatives that are in alignment with our core values to support the local land and community, in particular women and children. Our projects over the last 11 years have ranged from supporting educational programs, employing mothers to funding local initiatives that tackle different social and environmental issues in today’s world.
Bali Children Foundation & Bali Street Moms Project
At the moment we donate 10% of all jewelry sale proceeds to the Bali Children Foundation to help bring education to impoverished regions of Bali. We are currently sponsoring 11 children for a chance for a better future.
In addition, 100% of the profits from our Friendship bracelet awhich we launched in September 2021 are directed to the Bali Children Foundation. 100% of the profits from our Luna Crescent bracelet is donated to The Bali Street Mums Project for mothers who are struggling to provide for their children.
Update: Our packaging
All of our pieces are wrapped, handled with love and care, and shipped directly from Bali, Indonesia. As of 2022 we have aligned our processes to happily share that we work with solely recycled packaging materials such as paper and card boxes, and are 100% plastic-free – from sourcing, production all the way to hand-over, delivery, and shipping.
Our Ananda family
A brand’s DNA lives breathes from the people that create it and stand behind it.
This beautiful team of 22 ladies from all over Indonesia creates and nurtures the bond of a family. We cultivate a sense of family at work that is supportive of one another in any aspect of life. The women in our jewelry business show up for their families, their loved ones, and themselves, for each other and – because of the greater field and intention that connects us – for our work and our brand.
We are dedicated to keep creating the roles that suit their skills and contributions to Ananda the most. We pursue an ethos of no-burn out, we care and we take care of one another. Further, we constantly adapt and adjust our teams and processes according to the needs of each individual.
We are committed to providing nourishing and inspiring physical working conditions and hours that honor the needs of each individual woman and their family.
Solid Gold & legacy collection
The most sustainable material for jewelry is solid gold, provided it is coming from conflict-free mines and sources. Solid gold stands the test of time and is made to last. It already exists manifold on this planet. It does not lose its quality, and serves as an investment for customers that can be passed onto future generations. Our big dream is one of a legacy collection made from recycled solid Gold –heirlooms to be passed on to an emerging generation, infused with value, intention and meaning.
To create a pure solid gold collection is on our agenda for the next few years. At this point, we are currently looking for additional financial backing. If this project resonates and for further information, please get in touch with us here.
Blessings for the world
As a last and important step of our production cycle, all our jewelry is blessed in a Balinese ceremony before being sent out into the world.
We as a team come together once a month with the guidance of a Balinese priest to gather affirmations, prayers, good intentions, and energy to breathe life and blessings into our designs. Our prayer is that our jewelry uplift and brings joy to every person who gets in touch with it.
What the future may hold
If there is something we learnt in the past few years, it is the simple fact that we never know what will happen next.
We choose to nurture ourselves and our loved ones around us, our hopes, to stay present, humble, informed and empowered. It is only through this that we can inspire others to shine their light upon this world as well.
