To match your values with your actions and to do what is right in this world…. that is a big, complicated goal. This business has been great for me. I love the creativity, the interaction with customers, the inside workings of a business, and even the spreadsheets. And yet, in my own daily life, as a consumer, I tend to question everything I buy, attempting to reduce my spending and my use of resources as much as possible. So, it has always felt a bit odd, that the method through which I gain income for my family is by selling ‘stuff’ to other people. Over the years, I have had ideas running about in my head, and I finally feel ready to start putting more of them in place.
There is a concept called Extended Producer Responsibility. To be responsible for the product: from its inception as raw resources through to its end of life. To tackle the whole cycle is a big project, and frankly very overwhelming. How much can be done with a tiny business such as Topsail Canvas that consists of just one person? I will work on it, one step at a time. This will be a work in progress with many observations, tweaks, and changes.
When a customer comes looking for a bag, it is my job to help you find the right one for your purpose. It is important to reduce consumption of our resources, and I don’t want you to spend money that you don’t have. I want to encourage you to only buy the bag if it is right for you. It may not be a product that I have. So, you may go away to think about it and compare elsewhere. This is okay with me. It is what I do in my own shopping.
When I design and construct a bag, I focus heavily on its durability. I want it to last for many adventures. However, I don’t always have time for testing. So, if you purchase a bag from me and the product is defective or the stitching lets go, please return it so I can learn and improve on the design.
I am also working on something to address all the bags in our closets that we do not use anymore. And what to do when a bag is completely worn out. Have we explored all options of responsibility and respect for the resources used to make it? That is Extended Producer Responsibility idea.
I will be launching some new sections to my website soon. I am excited to see your reaction.
Happy Earth Day
~ Sadie