We offer free one-on-one woodworking skill and safety education; collaborate with local artists; source locally with small businesses; and, for every cutting board sold, we donate a cutting board to families resettled through New Haven’s IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services).

Our wood is either reclaimed, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), sourced through local suppliers who participate in the CT Grown Forest Products program, or through local suppliers who share with us their due diligence methods of ensuring their wood is ethically harvested. We divert wood waste from landfills by using more eco-friendly sawdust, not rock salt, on our long driveway in winter and donating the rest to BioPellet LLC., in Berlin, CT, which turns it into sustainable biomass fuel for pellet stoves, and by burning small wood waste in a Bio-Lite stove that turns fire into electricity, reducing energy consumption. For shipped goods, we use recycled and compostable packaging.

There is much more we can do. Woodworking equipment requires a lot of electricity year-round, and even more in the winter when running the workshop heater. While we have made strides in responsible lumber sourcing, we seek to improve the sourcing of other materials used in the shop. We document baseline consumption and our progress toward sustainability goals, and we will communicate our struggles, successes, and progress each step of the way.

To support our goals, Elm City Wares participates in local and global communities of artists and artisans who share our values. We are members of New Haven’s makerspace, MakeHaven, The Woodworkers Guild of America, and guild members of NEST, a global artisan network with the following values and commitments:

Community & Collaboration: The Nest Guild brings together like-minded artisan businesses and maker entrepreneurs dedicated to continuous improvement and social impact.

Innovation & Growth: As a member, we have access to a wealth of resources, mentorship, and support from industry leaders.

Support & Sustainability: The Nest Guild isn’t just about business – it’s about building a sustainable future together. We’re committed to responsible practices that benefit our community and the planet, uniting us in our pursuit of positive change.