Studio Value: Sustainability
Our Earth is beautiful and we want to help keep it that way.
When it comes to creating art, creating waste is unavoidable, but here at Strange in Nature Studio, we always strive to find ways to do the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, & recycle).
Sourcing
This history of the materials that come into the studio is as important as what we choose to do with it. The majority of our products feature something upcycled, for instance, this includes, rescued blank shirts to the upcycled ethically sourced leather used for accessories.
Quality
Quality in work is another way we strive to be both ethical & sustainable. Creating work that’s high quality & devoid of errors is a way to ensure that it is long-lasting.
Printing
One of the many ways we combat waste in production is by handling most of our printing needs in-house, instead of externally. Another example is that we never use drop shipping methods. Everything is either pre-made or handmade within our studio, here, in Seattle, WA. Because of our commitment to quality, we are very picky about who manufactures our stickers, keychains, and other odds & ends.
We use StickerMule for these needs. Their stickers, for instance, are fade-resistant, water-resistant, and weather-resistant for up to 5 years. In addition, we do low runs of less than 100 (generally 50) vinyl sticker prints of any design and only 10 of each keychain. Many print shops offer incentives and discounts for larger orders, which is understandable to take advantage of. However, choosing smaller print runs ensures quality control, inventory control, and waste management.
Packaging
Our custom packaging tape is printed on paper with a water-based adhesive therefore, it is 100% recyclable. Our packaging tape is printed by our trusted partner StickerMule.
We are currently phasing out our plastic packaging, which is recyclable in some areas. This plastic packaging is going to be replaced with our cardboard upcycling project. This is possible through our local BuyNothing Group on Facebook (I encourage you to join yours) where we can pick up lightly used packaging materials & cardboard boxes through our neighbors.
Gratitude
Thank you so much for reading this page. Just becoming more familiar with our practices goes a long way in helping us create the world we here at Strange in Nature strive for — one where anyone can “feel good about feeling strange”. ;) Another small way that’s a huge help is ensuring the shipping address is correct before we ship the purchased item out.
We are always open to hearing about new ways that we can improve. Please reach out here to us if you have any tips.