The Virtuous Circle of crafts sustainability

What does ‘sustainability’ really mean when applied to heritage crafts? In the world of mass manufacturing, economic success and environmental protection are often locked in a tug-of-war. But for heritage crafts makers, the story is entirely different. At the micro-scale, environmental sustainability, financial resilience and the safeguarding of vital cultural practices do not compete – they go hand-in-hand, each one reinforcing the other.

Watch this inspiring online discussion featuring sustainable craft researcher Jemima Valentine Lake and Heritage Crafts Head of Craft Sustainability Mary Lewis. Together, they explore how traditional, low-impact making creates a unique ‘virtuous circle’ that benefits the planet, local economies and our shared living heritage.

Whether you are a conscious consumer looking to make a positive impact or a maker searching for the best ways to communicate your ethical and cultural value, this discussion helps redefine how you view the future of sustainable consumption.

Recorded on 15 June 2026