This summer, we launched our Sustainable Earth Small Business Awards (SESBA) and selected 15 winners who showcased outstanding sustainability commitments. Our new podcast, The Green Scene, dives into conversations with SESBA winners about their journey as sustainable business owners.

In our twelfth episode of the Green Scene, Crafting With Nature’s Colors, we interviewed our next SESBA winner, owner Zoe Goehring with Cave Paper. Cave Paper is a handmade paper production studio based in Tucson, Arizona that is revolutionizing how paper is made and experienced through a unique sustainable process. 

Cave Paper uses Belgian Flax and natural dyes (Black Walnut, Indigo, and Persimmon) to give each sheet a unique look. This paper functions similarly to leather because of its strength and is a great choice for bookbinding, catering to the needs of different creators and artisans. 

cave-paper

Zoe knew that in order to elevate the Cave Paper business model, sustainability initiatives would have to be at the forefront. The water use involved in paper making is extensive and Cave Paper has re-examined their systems around water use, especially being located in a desert climate. They have implemented a system that involves relocating excess water to garden basins because there are no chemical additives used in the papermaking process. This system includes using a bicycle trailer with a water tank to transport excess water to garden basins in the Downtown Tucson area.

At the heart of Cave Paper’s sustainability initiatives is ensuring that the entire paper production process produces high-quality, naturally dyed paper without the environmental cost. In order to stay up to date on how to integrate sustainability into her business, Zoe participated in Scale Up, a program run by Local First Arizona that is designed to help businesses gain an understanding of new sustainability initiatives. 

Get in Touch with Cave Paper

If you are an artist, creator, scrapbook enthusiast, or looking for a one-of-a-kind gift during the holiday season, check out the colorful selection available on their website. Start your creative journey off in the new year with beautiful, sustainably-made paper with a purpose.