sustainability, explained
What do we mean by sustainable?
When we say something is "sustainable", we mean one of two things:
- It causes minimal long-term impact to the environment; or
- It is made with materials that are rapidly renewable, responsibly harvested or require no new raw materials in their manufacture.
Why bamboo?
Bamboo is rapidly renewable, being the fastest-growing woody plant on earth. The harvesting of bamboo leaves the bamboo plant unharmed and instead leads to more growth.
Not only that, the bamboo plant consumes carbon dioxide at rapid rates. Carbon dioxide is the prime contributor to global warming.
Having no natural pests, bamboo cultivation does not require the use of pesticides and herbicides.
However, do note that bamboo fabric (as opposed to actual bamboo) is not quite so eco-friendly: The processing of bamboo into textile requires the use of nasty chemicals which are toxic to humans. So choose bamboo but not bamboo fabric.
Why hemp?
Hemp is rapidly renewable. The hardy hemp plant matures quickly and is ready for harvest in approximately 100 days.
Hemp is planted in dense crops that do not allow sunlight to penetrate, thus reducing weed growth by 95% and eliminating the need for herbicides. Hemp cultivation requires no pesticides due to the plant's inherent ability to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
Why organic cotton?
Conventional cotton is often considered the world's dirtiest crop due to its heavy usage of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilisers. Organic cotton is sustainably grown without the use of toxic chemicals which pollute the air, water and soil.
What is Tencel® and how is it sustainable?
Tencel® is the proprietary name of lyocell made by Lenzing, an Austrian textile company which specialises in man-made cellulose fibres (as opposed to petroleum-based synthetic fibres). Tencel® is a cellulose fiber made from wood using an environmentally friendly process that was awarded the European Prize for the Environment and the EU Ecolabel. The organic solvent used in the process of turning wood pulp into fibres (N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide) is fairly low in toxicity (and is actually produced by the body in small quantities as a metabolite for some common drugs), and the solvent gets recycled back into the production chain, thanks to a 99.7% closed loop process. Compared to cotton (organic or not), the production of Tencel® uses 10 to 20 times less water.
Do note that not all lyocell is produced equal, so we can only vouch for Tencel® which we've done research on.
Why cork?
Cork is harvested by stripping only the bark from the cork oak, leaving the tree to continue living and growing undamaged. Cork oak forests prevent desertification and are a unique habitat for various endangered species.
Cork is also easy to recycle.
For greater peace of mind, look out for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification which indicates that the cork comes from well-managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
Why wood?
Wood is naturally renewable and when responsibly harvested, is a sustainable material.
Wood products are durable, lasting child after child, thereby reducing waste.
For greater peace of mind, look out for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification which indicates that the wood comes from well-managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
Why glass?
Glass is made from abundant natural ingredients and is 100% recyclable.
As glass resists odours and stains, glass products are durable, lasting child after child, thereby reducing waste. We find that we can usually repurpose glass products in many ways when we no longer have a need for the original use!
Why stainless steel?
Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and its recycling is highly cost-effective. In fact, most stainless steels have around 60% recycled content!
As stainless steel retains its appearance and functionality well over its long life, stainless steel products last child after child, thereby reducing waste. We also find that we can usually repurpose stainless steel products in many ways when we no longer have a need for the original use!
Why clay-based ceramic?
Clay-based ceramic is made from abundant natural ingredients derived directly from the earth.
As glazed ceramics resists odours and stains, ceramic products are durable, thereby reducing waste.
How to pick more sustainable products
1. Choose products made from sustainable materials for lower environmental impact.
2. Choose durable materials and sturdy construction for a product that will last child after child and still remain an attractive hand-me-down!
3. Choose products that have interchangeable parts that adapt to each stage of the child's growth. So you buy less and waste less.