Bay Area Made: Making a Sustainable Future

Posted on June 10, 2020
By Jason Lees

We’re honored and excited to have been selected to create a virtual exhibit for San Francisco Design Week – an essential week long, citywide festival that showcases the unique intersection of ideas, design, business and entrepreneurism that makes the Bay Area the birthplace of the future. Our exhibit, “Bay Area Made: Making a Sustainable Future” features 39 of our member companies sharing the sustainable practices they are implementing in their products and business operations. Below is a preview of the exhibit. To view the full exhibit on the San Francisco Design Week website, click on the link at the bottom of the page.

Sustainability is no longer a choice – it’s imperative! If pollution and the symptoms of global warming such as drought, flooding, sea level rise, and species extinction aren’t enough of a warning, with the coronavirus pandemic Mother Nature has made it abundantly clear, and increased the level of urgency. Our future depends on it.

Above: Lacson Ravello, Camelia Skikos, Yolotli

“From the clothes we wear, to the food we eat, to the body products we use, to the products we furnish our homes with, what we make matters.”

Above: Heath Ceramics, SKINNY Ceramics, Lisa Fleming Ceramics

Sustainability is a big, broad term, and knowing where to start and what best to do can be challenging. All of the exhibitors in Bay Area Made: Making a Sustainable Future are committed to sustainability. Our intent is to highlight what sustainable practices they are currently implementing in their products and businesses, and their plans moving forward. Being more sustainable is a process, and we hope the exhibit will provide education and inspiration – important ingredients in creating positive change.

Above: Earth Tu Face, Heliotrope San Francisco, Etta + Billie

Above: The Long Confidence, Fyrn, Lahoma

From the clothes we wear, to the food we eat, to the body products we use, to the products we furnish our homes with, what we make matters. Who makes it, how it’s made, and what ingredients are used matter – and have a big impact on sustainability.

Above: Millie Lottie, Oxgut Hose Co, Mafia Bags

“. . . where we make our products matters, a lot. Numerous studies have shown the considerable environmental, economic and social advantages that come with making and buying products locally.”

Above: Maral Rapp, Krupa Paranjape, MGG Studio

Additionally, where we make our products matters, a lot. Numerous studies have shown the considerable environmental, economic and social advantages that come with making and buying products locally. Like a natural ecosystem, our communities can better sustain themselves, and even thrive, when they are in balance and interconnected.

Above: Habitat Horticulture, Concreteworks, Admiral Maltings

Above: Bespoke Watch Projects, Model No., TKID

In the Bay Area we have an outstanding community of companies that have chosen to make their products here. Many are pioneering, values-driven brands that are carrying forth the innovative spirit the Bay Area is renowned for by committing to make their products and run their businesses sustainably. Whether using time honored or cutting edge techniques and materials, or a combination of the two, creating quality, useful, and lasting products is of paramount importance.

Above: Elliptical Designs, Leora Lutz, Lutz Art Design

Real change often comes from the bottom up, from the grassroots leaders that follow their ideals and passions to transform our world around us. It is vital – especially as we emerge from the pandemic – that we support our local makers who are dedicated to sustainable practices, so that they can survive and thrive. Making a Sustainable Future – we are all in this together!