Eco-friendly by tradition: Sustainable practices in Indian handicrafts

Introduction

The sustainability concept is based on the understanding that Earth's resources are limited, so we must conserve them for the benefit of future generations. Sustainability is all about ensuring our choices have a positive impact on the planet. It's not just about the products we purchase, but also how we consume and dispose of them, as it affects the environment. Indian handicrafts are a notable example of eco-friendly crafts that utilise sustainable materials and traditional techniques, resulting in a minimal environmental impact. Some sustainable materials used in Indian handicrafts include bamboo, Jute, Clay, Terracotta, natural fibres like Sabai grass and Khadi, coconut shells, plant-based dyes, and recycled paper in papier-mâché art. As the concept of sustainability has gained popularity, Natriel has been emphasising its eco-friendly approach. Natriel products are a blend of traditional rich heritage and sustainability, which has a positive impact on the environment.

Understanding the Sustainability concept in Handicrafts

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Sustainability in art and craft means developing artefacts with the use of materials and processes which won't harm the environment. The focus here is on the responsible use of resources, supporting ethical practices, and reducing waste. It encompasses environmental, economic, social, and cultural sustainability. Environmental sustainability means that the materials used in the production of the craft are biodegradable and have no or minimal impact on the environment. It also emphasises the concept of zero waste in the creative process. Social sustainability focuses on following fair labour practices where labour and artists are treated fairly. It means that they receive fair compensation and their cultural heritage is promoted. Economic sustainability focuses on developing a financially viable model that supports the long-term promotion of the craft community. Cultural sustainability focuses on promoting and preserving cultural heritage, making art economically and environmentally sustainable.

Indian handicraft – Legacy of Eco consciousness

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Indian handicrafts have their roots in tribal and rural communities, where they have evolved as a blend of culture, creativity, and necessity. These crafts are born out of necessity, utilising local materials from the surrounding area, including bamboo, jute, natural dyes, cotton, and wood. There is a connection between centuries-old knowledge, with an emphasis on sustainability, and the concern about global warming that emerged later.

These skills are passed down through generations, having been refined over time to utilise renewable resources and minimise waste. These artistic traditions are based on the principle of reuse, recycling and low impact on production. Now, the world seeks sustainable alternatives to mass production, where Indian handicrafts serve as a symbol of eco-consciousness, allowing culture and the environment to coexist naturally.

Sustainability materials used in varied Indian handicrafts

These are a few indigenous art forms which use natural materials to create handicraft products.

1. Bamboo - Bamboo Weaving (North East India)
   Image Source: Pinterest
   
   Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant material, considered a renewable resource worldwide, making it a sustainable option. Bamboo is biodegradable, strong, yet lightweight, making it an ideal material for crafting a wide range of products. Bamboo weaving is quite famous in India's Northeastern states, including Assam, Tripura, and Nagaland. Skilled artists weave bamboo skilfully into baskets, lampshades, trays, and furniture for musical instruments. This craft supports the livelihood of rural artisans and reduces their dependence on synthetic or plastic materials.
2. Jute – Jute Craft (Odisha and West Bengal) Image Source: dsource
   
   
   Jute is a plant-based Fibre which is grown quickly without much need for water and with minimal pesticide requirements. So, it is considered a sustainable fibre available in India. Jute is popular in Odisha and West Bengal, where it is used to make bags, rugs, wall hangings and table runners. Jute is compostable and biodegradable, and its production supports farmers and traditional artists, who contribute to rural development and sustainability.
3. Coconut shell - Coconut shell craft (Kerala and Tamil Nadu) Image Source: thebetterindia
   
   Coconut shell crafts are upcycled products that transform agricultural waste into aesthetically beautiful items. Coconuts are produced in coastal areas such as Kerala or Tamil Nadu, where artisans can carve out products from Coconut shells. Coconut shell can be used to create products such as bowls, buttons, jewellery or home décor items. Earlier, coconut shells were discarded, but now they are used and transformed into hand tools. This craft is deeply rooted in coastal culture, utilising sustainable and biodegradable materials that promote local artistry and environmental care.
4. Terracotta clay – Terracotta Pottery (West Bengal and Tamil Nadu) Image Source: Pinterest
   
   Terracotta is created from natural clay, which is biodegradable and takes low energy to process. Terracotta is an ancient craft found in regions such as Tamil Nadu and Bishnupur in West Bengal. Artisans create pots, sculptures, diyas, and cookware using hand-holding techniques with terracotta clay.
5. Banana fibre – Banana Fibre craft (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh) Image Source: dsource
   
   Banana Fibre is extracted from Banana plants after they are harvested, converting agricultural waste into a valuable resource. In South India, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, artisans use Banana Fibre to produce baskets, paper and mats. It is a sustainable fibre which is biodegradable and durable. This craft promotes the reduction of waste and supports the sustainable livelihoods of rural artisans.
6. Sabai Grass – Sabai Grass Craft (Odisha) Image Source: aiacaonline
   
   Sabai grass is a rigid and drought-resistant fibre that is easy to work with. In Odisha, Sabai grass is used to make baskets, rope, mats and other decorative items. Artisans combine traditional weaving techniques and contemporary design to make eco-friendly craft products. These crafts are low-cost and environmentally responsible, which is vital for empowering tribal communities.
7. Khadi – Khadi weaving (Gujarat and Maharashtra) Image Source: Pinterest
   
   Khadi is a handwoven cotton fabric that symbolises the Indian independence movement. Khadi is a pillar of sustainable handloom textile production, which is made without the use of electricity or machines. Khadi uses sustainable materials and supports artists across Maharashtra, UP, and Gujarat. Khadi products are breathable, long-lasting, and biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice for fashion.
8. Natural Dye – Block printing (Gujrat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh) Image Source: Pinterest
   
   Natural dyes are derived from plant sources, such as turmeric, indigo, pomegranate peels, or madder, making them biodegradable and non-toxic. These dyes are used in traditional handloom textile arts, such as Bagru and Dabu in Rajasthan, Kalamkari in Andhra Pradesh, and Ajrakh in Gujarat. These techniques utilise sustainable materials while preserving ancient design motifs and printing methods.
9. Palm leaves – Palm leaf art (Tamil Nadu and Odisha) Image Source: freepick
   
   Palm leaf art involves using dried palm fronds, which are biodegradable and abundant. This art form consists of weaving and etching on palm leaves to create scroll paintings, bookmarks, festive decorations, and eco-friendly packaging. It is a prevalent art form based in Odisha and Tamil Nadu which requires no chemical treatment. Tribal artisans and temple communities often practice Palm leaf art using organic and natural materials.
10. Recycled paper – Papier mâché (Kashmir) Image Source: pinterest
    
    Nowadays, people use recycled paper to make crafts to save paper. It helps reduce deforestation, energy consumption, and landfill waste. Kashmiri artisans have used papier-mâché to create decorative boxes, masks, and lamps. It gives a second life to waste paper, which preserves time-honoured traditions.

Role of Communities and Artisans in Sustainability

Image Source:  wikipedia

Most of these arts are community centres where people work together in groups. It promotes social sustainability, which encompasses the preservation of traditional craftsmanship, supporting the local economy, and promoting fair wages. These community-based models help promote social equity and reduce economic disparity. Many of these crafts are cooperative-based or family-run, which emphasise collective prosperity or shared resources. Women play a crucial role in managing these art and craft systems. From embroidery to weaving, coir making to pottery, women participate in sustaining eco-friendly crafts. It also empowers women to run households, offering financial independence and preserving cultural heritage.

Challenges in maintaining Sustainability in the handicraft sector

• There is enormous competition from mass-producing firms which produce low-quality, affordable products on a large scale. It becomes difficult for artisans to compete with these products in terms of availability and price. 
• The change in consumers is changing as they prefer modern designs and materials over conventional designs, which impacts the demand for handcrafted products. • Traditional artisans rely on local materials, which are in short supply and very expensive, hindering the continuous production of these products. 
• Young people are less interested in learning conventional art forms, which leads to a decline in skilled artisans and loss of knowledge. 
• Economic downturn or recessions will result in decreased customer spending on handicraft products, which will hurt the sales of artisans whose livelihood depends on their sales.

Revival and modern adaptations

These days, people are becoming increasingly interested in purchasing sustainable handicrafts. Government initiatives, startups, and NGOs play a crucial role in revitalising traditional craftsmanship and promoting environmentally responsible practices. Entrepreneurs and design schools are collaborating with artists to blend contemporary aesthetics with conventional methods, making their products more appealing to customers.

Eco-tourism in craft villages, online platforms, and digital storytelling boosts the demand and visibility of these craft forms. Curated exhibitions and fair-trade certification programs can help artisans gain recognition at a global level, enabling them to receive fair compensation and recognition using eco-friendly methods. 

Conclusion

Indian handicraft is more than art; it is a living example of sustainability, community, and resourcefulness. It is rooted in harmony with nature, offering a powerful model for an eco-friendly way of life. Supporting sustainable practices is a commitment to cultural preservation, conscious consumption and artisan empowerment. Sustainable materials such as Bamboo, Jute, Coconut shell, Papier-mâché, and Sabai grass help in making biodegradable products.

Explore Natriel to find authentic and sustainable crafts that bring tradition into your home.