Ethics + Sustainability

Dear Summit is founded upon a deep appreciation of the natural world. I take environmental and ethical responsibility very seriously in everything I do at Dear Summit. I also believe that businesses have a responsibility to be as transparent as possible about every aspect of their business, so this page is my way of sharing everything I can about the sustainability and ethics that go into all of the things here at Dear Summit Supply Co.

I carefully create my products according to the following guidelines:

Made in the USA - This is one of the first things I look for in finding manufacturing partners. The USA has strict labor and safety laws that protect workers’ rights and well being, and by having my products made here in the USA, I can lower the environmental impact of long-distance shipping when compared with shipping products from overseas manufacturers. (Note: sweatshops do still exist in the USA, sadly, especially in Los Angeles. I’m working to make sure that my manufacturing partners meet my standards for employee care and ethics.)

Natural and Organic Materials - When designing new products, I look for natural materials (cotton, wool, paper, etc.) instead of man-made or highly-processed materials (polyester, plastics, viscose, acrylics, etc.). Whenever possible, I opt for organic versions of materials, as organic processes involve far less water consumption, pesticide pollution, and general waste.

Recycled Materials - If applicable, I will fiercely fight to use 100% post-consumer recycled versions of materials, especially in anything paper-related. This includes the papers for The Trail Journal and the National Parks Checklist Map, as well as shipping and packaging materials.

Plastics and Plastic Alternatives - This is mostly an issue in packaging and shipping materials. A lot of products come packed by the manufacturer in plastic bags or wrappings, and though there are compostable or recyclable options, the best option is to eliminate the plastic altogether, if possible. If plastic is necessary, such as in the National Parks Checklist Map prints (when shipped for sale in physical retail stores), I use compostable/biodegradable cellophane sleeves to minimize the impact.

Shipping - Every order ships 100% plastic-free. I do not use any plastic in my packaging or shipping materials. All mailers and boxes are 100% recycled cardboard, and any other packing or fill material will also be recycled/recyclable and not plastic. My art prints do often ship out to retail stores in clear sleeves which look and act like plastic, but are made of a plant-based cellulose and are compostable.

Sustainability Manifesto

I see the natural world as the artwork of God the creator, and as such, I believe it is our responsibility to care for and protect that natural world.

I believe that running a business that doesn’t actively seek ways to better care for the environment would be irresponsible and reckless, and that passivity is not an option.

I only buy shipping materials, packaging, and office supplies from the USA.

I prioritize organic and natural materials, in as minimally-processed and sustainably harvested forms as possible.

I’m seeking alternatives to plastic in every aspect of my business, and using plant-based and biodegradable/compostable plastic when an alternative is not yet available.

I only use 100% recycled papers in my packaging and shipping supplies, and I practice careful reuse and recycling in my studio and home.

I only work with manufacturers who protect their employees with a safe and supportive workplace and pay them fair wages.

I am constantly seeking to learn more about sustainability and environmental ethics, and make changes to Dear Summit accordingly.

In Progress

I’m still working on a few things around the shop and getting them up to the standards I’d like:

Certifications: I would love to be able to fortify Dear Summit’s sustainability manifesto with some third-party certifications (this is something I personally look for when shopping!), but they’re complicated and expensive to get! Dear Summit is a tiny business still, but keep an eye out for certifications as we grow.

Carbon Offsets: would you be interested in purchasing carbon offsets for your purchases from Dear Summit? If so, please email or message me to let me know!

Sustainability in Small Business

Interested in digging deeper into the topic of sustainability in small businesses? I’ve written a few blog articles on this topic - read them here:

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Want to know more, or have a suggestion? I’d love to hear from you! Email me via my Contact Page.