In Denmark, a collaboration between the Danish Crafts & Design Association (DKoD), the Kulturens Analyseinstitut, and the Danish Design Center has led to the August launch of the Green Craft & Design Guide. This Danish-language digital platform was created to support more sustainable practices by collecting knowledge and resources on sustainability principles for makers across Denmark.
This platform is based on a national study that revealed a core challenge in the craft sector. While over 90% of craftspeople are self-employed and face economic precarity, they are overwhelmingly driven by ethics, with 93% motivated by morals, not money, to be sustainable. Although 64% already incorporate these principles into their work, 50% of all respondents cite a lack of knowledge as their biggest barrier, followed by a lack of tools and financial resources.
Although the platform and report are currently only available in Danish, the issues it raises, such as limited access to tools, networks, and resources, are shared across the sector throughout Europe. The initiative offers valuable insights into how small-scale makers can be supported in contributing to climate goals.
Vævet Herbarium, Christina Christensen; photo: Christina Christensen