To date, there has not been any universally accepted criteria for the term “ethical sourcing”, nor is there any accrediting organization that regulates this term and audits businesses. This is problematic as it means that it is up to each business to create their own definition of what ethical sourcing means which can vary significantly. While ethical sourcing usually implies that products are made in sustainable and responsible ways, this term has been used so loosely now it does not hold much weight. Especially when anybody can use the phrase as a way to market their products and engage in the deceptive practice of greenwashing to increase their sales. Even large corporations are now using this term to describe their products without any accountability behind their claims.
Almost 100% of the time if you were to ask a business if their items are “ethically sourced” they will say yes because they know if they say no they will probably lose the sale. With no accountability behind this term, it makes it very difficult to sort through the businesses that are purposefully deceiving others for profits and those trying to make a positive impact on the people and planet. The truth is unless you know exactly where things come from and have direct connections to your sources it is impossible to know the real social and environmental impacts of the products you are purchasing.
We have dedicated a considerable amount of time and research towards understanding the impacts of the mining industry and how it affects the people and environment.
We consider ourselves going beyond ethical sourcing and operate with a high level of consciousness about how we interact with nature. Landscapes and natural habitats are often destroyed at the expense of human greed and consumption. To find others who operate in sustainable ways and work to preserve ecosystems is exceptionally challenging. However we have seen that mining does not always have to be a destructive process and it is possible to restore and regenerate lands with intelligent land use practices.
Over the years we have developed strong relationships with miners, artists, and worker owned cooperatives to see the benefits they are providing for their communities. Those we work with understand that mining can be used as an opportunity to improve lands, not permanently degrade them further contributing to ecosystem and biodiversity loss. Our sources operate with minimalistic practices in production methods to reduce their environmental impact. Mining can also be used to provide numerous social benefits for local communities such as funding infrastructure projects like building schools, increasing access to clean water, and creating sustainable agriculture projects. In many instances once the mining sites have ended production reforestation takes place or it is otherwise converted and restored for another type of use for social or environmental benefit.
There is also the moral question of whether extracting anything from the Earth is ethical at all. However you are probably reading this on a phone or computer, which contain rare minerals that are extremely destructive to mine for. Yet out of necessity we use these items in our daily lives as we are largely reliant on technology to work and communicate. To us, the real problem lies with large scale mining operations that have little regard for the environment and often subject their workers to dangerous conditions for very little pay. Similar to agriculture, it is a lot more sustainable to have a network of many smaller operations spread across the planet than huge corporations whose only goal is profit.
In order to build trust and confidence in our products, we look beyond the corporate models that predominate the mining industry that is largely driven on profit and instead only support individual artisans, co-ops, and small businesses that show love and respect for what they do.
We verify everyone we work with has full compliance with regulatory agencies, from mining certificates to environmental licenses and labor laws. Almost all of our products are mined by hand and not machine. Our polished products are made in lapidaries using minimalistic and traditional methods that have been practiced for generations.
While our strict adherence to our ethical sourcing principles and our sustainable business initiatives do not often allow us to have the cheapest products or the most diverse product line, it is exceptionally rewarding to provide some of the highest quality stones and crystals from artisanal mining and lapidary operations across the world. That support really helps individual and small businesses to succeed, grow, and thrive while affording everyone involved a good quality of life.
Fair wages and safe working conditions for laborers
Mining has historically been a dangerous and dirty job. We verify from our sources that workers are paid a livable wage and that measures are in place to protect their health.
Conflict-free products that do not use child labor
We refuse to source minerals from regions that have issues with conflict, a history of bonded or slave labor in their workforce, illegal excavation, or an unregulated industry.Minimalistic practices in production methods
Many stones require careful research about not only the origins, but also being able to verify they are not being dyed, infused with toxic metallic elements, or having their color enhanced beyond a natural cleaning and polishing.Low carbon footprint and environmental impact
While the extraction and removal of any materials from the Earth is not a sustainable practice, Beyond Bohemian only supports those who are offsetting the impacts of their mining activities by creating long lasting benefits for society and the environment. In many instances, once the mining sites have been depleted reforestation takes place or it is otherwise converted and restored for another type of use for social benefit.Items are not byproducts of other industries that cause harm
We only source single origin products that are being exclusively mined for.
Only natural products
We do not carry anything synthetic, heat-treated, or irradiated.
Beyond Bohemian cares deeply about the environment and strives to be as zero waste as possible. We are always finding new ways to reduce our environmental impact and practice minimalism.
🌴 Creating a Sustainable Permaculture Farm
Your support helps our farm grow by increasing the production and diversity of tropical fruits and vegetables in Southwest Florida
🗞 Recycled Packaging Materials
We source recycled packaging material, boxes and newsprint from generous individuals and businesses across Naples, Florida
📦 Recycled Shipping Boxes
Boxes for shipping are made from post-consumer recycled materials or have been given a second life
💌 Thermal Shipping Labels
Labels are made with 100% recycled content and can be recycled again
🌱 Tree-Free Paper
Copy paper is produced from plant waste like sugarcane pulp which reduces timber demand
♻️ Eco-Friendly Bags
Bags used to package items are all 100% plant-based and compostable - No single use plastics, ever
🍃 Compostable Packaging Tape
Tape used to secure boxes and items is a compostable plant-based cellophane or kraft paper
🌧 Recycled Rainwater
We collect rainwater in containers to use in the production of many of our products. All "grey" water used for our products is reused in our farm
🌻 Plant-based Cleaning & Polishing
We use only organic, non-toxic soaps and oils to clean and polish our products
🌁 Minimal Travel Footprint
When traveling we consolidate as many errands as possible to reduce the overall mileage driven
🌎 Efficient Shipping Practices
USPS Priority Mail is the standard delivery service for the majority of packages, which makes use of the extra cargo space in existing commercial airliner routes to minimize fuel consumption. Most packages arrive during your regular mail delivery time.