Shipping & Packaging

Where possible shipping is done in bulk in reusable or recyclable packaging material. Receipt's are sent digitally and local pickup and or drop off options are available for open store dates.

Other current packaging sources include:

• The Waste Shed which provides Chicago with an organized, affordable, and reliable resource for repurposed art and craft materials.

• Chicago Creative Reuse Exchange. CCRX is a local non profit that keeps art material out of landfills and promotes a circular economy by redistributing donated surplus materials, equipment, and supplies. CCRX promotes environmental stewardship through creative reuse programming, products, and partnerships.  

• Card stock gift boxes are made by Origami Bob - a wonderful human based in Evanston who spends their time making boxes out of card stock. A portion of proceeds from orders boxed with Origami Bobs boxes go to the Evanston/NorthShore YWCA Women's Shelter. The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world and is a leading service provider in sexual violence support services, early childhood and child care provider services. Founded in 1876, the YWCA is committed to eliminating racism and empowering women.
• Local thrift stores and where possible Abenaart sources cardboard boxes, gift bags etc. from second hand stores.

Painting & Natural dye Material

Using natural art material has been my path of exploration over the last 10 years through my interdisciplinary art practice. It has looked like an exploration of natural pigment making with spices, soils, teas, coffee, and other nature material.

Where are the pigments from?

Almost all of the natural dyes, pigments, and inks I use in my paintings and in my online offerings for sale are made in house with sustainable material such as tea, coffee, turmeric, soil, spices and other natural pigments. You can find more under my how - to blog posts.

Plants and flowers used for eco dyeing are currently sourced from my garden, local community gardens, and occasionally additional pigments when needed are sourced from Maiwa in batches.

Maiwa is based in Vancouver, Canada and works primarily with farmers and artisans in India.

Fibers

Current fabrics are sourced from the closing of Edwards Flower shop IL. When possible Abenaart sources from different local thrift stores or Textile Discount Outlet in Chicago. In the past Abenaart has sourced fabrics from Dharma Trading however, Dharma is not local to the Chicago area and still requires shipping. These fabrics will slowly be phased out to provide space for a more sustainable and local infrastructure with fabric products sewn locally.

How are fabrics sewn?

Abenaart is transitioning to working with an in-house sewer local to Chicago. Abenaart is committed to supporting relationship based collaborations with equitable and fair wages. As a result I work seasonally as sustainable and fabric products take more time to produce locally.

How are fibers processed?
Fibers are usually dyed in batch processing to lower the amount of water, gas, and electric useage.

Collaborative eco friendly business practices.

I am always open to discussing what has worked for your business and how I might incorportate more ethical or sustainable practices into Abenaart shop - reach out to me via my contact form!