Time to Start Talking about Diversity in Sustainability.

A few years ago, I set off to explore and learn more about Phulkari, a traditional embroidery technique from Punjab. As I went door to door meeting with artisans and hearing their phenomenal stories, I discovered all the breakpoints in supply chains that allow for big brands to produce at such low costs. In the micro phulkari industry, a high level of exploitation, I soon discovered, was not uncommon. As I began diving deeper, I discovered how the minority voice is lost in sustainability in so many ways. There are power dynamics at play each step of way.

This page is designed to help you explore and learn about the intersection of social innovation, diversity & inclusion, and cultural humility. I will be adding additional resources along the way. If you have any resources you think I should check out or share on this page, please do reach out!

Are you Greenwashing?

How to convey the complexities of your production process authentically.

Question: How do you navigate storytelling for eco-friendly brands, making sure you are not greenwashing? Often times eco-friendly brands showcase how they produce their products by hand. Which can mean showcasing people, sometimes even children, working and spinning yarn, working with silk, and huge boiling pots. How do you approach your brand story ethically with these complexities in mind?

Answer: Sustainable impact is about being fair to the planet and its people. It can be challenging to navigate your story when what sounds good from a marketing/branding perspective fails to acknowledge the realities of your manufacturing process. Just because something is handmade doesn’t mean it is “eco-friendly,” just like that doesn’t necessarily mean the product is “ethical.” The best way to approach this challenge is by not pushing a single narrative, fostering transparency, and staying away from promoting either extreme of the brand narrative. 

At the end of the day, being sustainable, ethical, fair trade, etc. is not just about what sounds good, but about your mission and values. It is about making thoughtful decisions. It is also a process. Brands don’t become perfect overnight, so continue working toward addressing the challenges your business faces as your business grows and matures. 

The Danger of a Single Story

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice -- and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.

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