Miller Center Fellowship
Document Type
Research Report
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
Likha is a social enterprise based in the Philippines whose mission is to empower Filipino artisan families to overcome poverty by reimagining time-honored local craft for the global market. Our research endeavored to both quantify the environmental impact of Likha’s products and production processes, as well as determine Likha’s readiness for certifications such as B Corp that signal their social and environmental performance. To accomplish this, we conducted semi-structured, in-person interviews with artisans concerning their raw materials and production processes. We found that while many of Likha’s raw materials were inherently sustainable, it was a lack of formal certification and documentation that presented the largest obstacle in meeting B Corp standards. We also found that artisans expressed willingness to make environmentally-conscious changes to their materials and production processes if they aligned with market demands and consumer preferences. The research further highlighted the profound cultural and traditional significance of handicraft for Filipino artisans, underscoring its central role in Filipino cultural identity. We used our findings to outline a plan for Likha to build their documentation and actionable data in line with the standards set for B Corp certification, and conclude that tracking and documenting environmental impact related to handicraft is much more complex and nuanced than it seems. Ultimately, encouraging and promoting more responsible environmental stewardship for Likha must center the Filipino in order to advance sustainable and responsible change.
Recommended Citation
Eng, Melanie and Holland, Jules, "Liberation through LIKHÁ" (2023). Miller Center Fellowship. 170.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/gsbf/170