Etsy turned 10 this month and we are excited to honor its progress as a sustainable corporation! Here are 3 reasons to skip your next shopping outing and sift through Etsy’s unique handmade creations.

1. Taking Responsibility: a #1 “B” Corporation

 So you might find yourself asking; what is a B Corporation and why do I care? Unbeknownst to most, Etsy is one of the largest “B” corps on the planet, continuously keeping an eye on what the CEO calls, “mindful, transparent, and humane values we aspire to.”

B corporations strive to maintain an ethical standard when it comes to social and environmental practices. Etsy promotes living ethically by representing the humanity in selling to others, while taking extra precautions to maintain resources.

Nicole Koedyker, the co-founder and chief sustainability officer of Forsei Consulting has been charting the progression of B Corporations and tells GPB:

“It’s been so interesting to me to be able to watch the B Corp movement grow over the last few years to really push the envelope. In the beginning, the language around B Corps and ‘triple bottom line business’ was scarce in the business world.  But today, the definition is more widespread: B Corps and Benefit Corporation legislation is being taught in business schools, more businesses and organizations are using B Corp tools to measure their impact around the world, and some are even testing the idea of balancing profit and responsibility, like Etsy.“

Etsy is so special because exists at a large and recognized corporate level, but works in tandem with local micro-enterprises. In turn, Etsy promotes local economies by supporting small-scale businesses across 150 countries, and their tagline says it all:

“Our mission is to reimagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world.”

So if you haven’t delved into your “favorites” lately, you can start planning Christmas gifts early this year, guilt-free. (You may want to opt for some eco-recycled wrapping paper while you’re at it!)

2. Join Teams: Be part of a community

If you are a little nervous about starting a business online or don’t know where to start, join a regulated and manicured team of Etsy pros! (Lucky for you, the Handmade Philly team is accepting new members daily.)

By providing a platform to share tips, teams allow the Etsy community to be a well-rounded and thoughtful group of sellers. Along with access to the latest tips, you can also attend a breadth of specialized events and workshops with your team.

If you prefer flying solo, Etsy also hosts craft parties nation-wide.

3. Direct Impact: Buy to support a story

By buying on this e-commerce site, you are supporting real stories, making it more than just a shopping experience. The format was created with the intention of knowing (in detail!) who you are buying from and where their materials come from.

Etsy’s goal is to create a platform for unseen or unappreciated talent, and empower it’s users by giving them a voice as well. Of the 1.4 million running their businesses on Etsy, many are artisans, craftsmen, and fine artists. By clicking “love,” “follow” or “buy” you are creating international and national bonds with real people, and in turn supporting their stories.

If it isn’t enough to open the carefully put together (and adorable) packages from artisans around the world, you can rest assured that your purchase is a real, tangible expression of your commitment to ethical environmental and social practice.

What have you purchased on Etsy ? Tell us about your greatest finds in the comments (if you dare reveal such gems).

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Julia Davis is finishing her second year at Temple University. She has a great love for many art forms including dance, creative writing and visual arts. As a Pittsburgh-native, she has developed a great love for repurposing used or abandoned materials and making art out of them, but most of all loves a good snuggle with her dog Fig. View all posts by Julia Davis