Ethical buying initiatives in Amsterdam

Boost your buying impact

• CRE8 - Trains disadvantaged young people in crafts, including digital fabrication techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting, and sells the final products at a gift shop in Amsterdam.

• Studio JUX - This ethical fashion and lifestyle brand sells a range of products made by artisans, including clothing, accessories, and home decor. It collaborates with various social enterprises to support vulnerable communities and refugees.

• Iambe - Fair fashion & coffee, located in Amsterdam-West, is a social enterprise that provides work opportunities for refugees or people who are unable to access the labour market. It sells handmade clothing, accessories, and home decor items in its shop and online store.

• NoordOogst - Located in Amsterdam-Noord, this urban farm and community space hosts regular markets where local artisan refugees sell handmade crafts, including ceramics, textiles, and natural products.

• Tiny Miracles - Design award-winning products made with people in impoverished communities in India, which are then sold worldwide to help these communities out of poverty.

• Makers Unite - Connects locals and newcomers through the collaborative design and production of sustainable products. Their activities include producing upcycled bags, accessories, and apparel from life vests and rubber boats used by refugees during their journeys. These products are sold online and in select stores.

• Wijkatelier de Baarsjes - Is a neighbourhood craft workshop where local residents and refugees collaborate to create and sell handmade items. Products include knitted goods, jewellery, and home decor, available at local markets and community events.

Upcycle and repair

• ARGO360 - Decommissions, refurbishes, or disposes of unwanted IT equipment safely and responsibly, without risk of environmental damage. ARGO360 gives ICT equipment a second life and simultaneously creates workplaces for people who are far from the labour market.

• United Repair Centre - is on a mission to repair the clothing industry for good by putting people first, one piece at a time. It is committed to empowering marginalised communities through employment and training.

• Repair Café Amsterdam - Repair and Upcycling: Volunteers help repair and upcycle items, often incorporating crafts into their projects. Anyone can join to create a diverse community of like-minded people with upcycling at the heart of their projects.

Creating employment and training

• Roetz Fair Factory - While primarily focused on producing sustainable bicycles with an eye towards a circular economy, Roetz Fair Factory also employs refugees and incorporates handcrafted elements into its bike designs. Its showroom in Amsterdam often features unique, handmade accessories and decor items.

• Stichting DOEN - This foundation supports numerous social enterprises and entrepreneurs who are developing innovative business models for landscape restoration and regenerative agriculture. Initiatives are focused on reducing the use of raw materials or replacing them with natural alternatives. DOEN aims to create a society where everyone can participate and feel valued, fostering a community where people care for one another.

• Refugee Company - This is a social enterprise that aims to empower refugees by providing them with work opportunities and a sense of community. They run several projects, including programmes working with a Beautiful Mess in Amsterdam.