Sustainability

Sustainable Practices

Materials

We always try to source our materials locally and domestically. In doing so, we help and support the local community. Everything is bought at a fair price, which helps strengthen the local economy as well as empower small businesses. Furthermore, we are dedicated to using the most environmentally-friendly materials possible, including;  

 

Rattan Sustainable Material | Olive & Iris

Rattan 

Rattan is one of the most environmentally friendly materials. It is easily renewable, and the use of replacement for wood wicker helps preserve forests, preventing deforestation. In addition, rattan harvesting and sourcing helps provide jobs for local people, and therefore, helps maintain a sustainable economy.  

 


Water Hyacinth Sustainable Material | Olive & Iris

Water hyacinth

Water hyacinth or Eichhornia crassipes is a free floating perennial herb of freshwater ecosystems. Water hyacinth is a major environmental concern in many countries as it is one of the most noxious weeds in tropical regions. Therefore, by using it as one of our materials, it will help to eliminate and control the growth and amount of the water hyacinth in our local area.

  

Bamboo Sustainable Material | Olive & Iris

Bamboo

Bamboo is considered an eco-friendly material, because it requires less water and no pesticides for its growth and maturation and it is a very durable plant. It rarely needs replanting, and grows rapidly (harvested within 3-5 years). In addition, it produces 35% more oxygen that an equivalent stand of trees.

 

Natural Dyed & Hand-spun Cotton Yarn

For our textile products, we always look out for the most sustainable materials possible. Most of our textiles are made from natural dyed, which help minimizing the harmful effects of chemical dyes that not only pollute rivers and waterways, but also affect the health of the people relying on these water sources. Also, by choosing hand-spun yarn, we can reduce the energy consumption from the spinning process.

 

 

We try to avoid materials such as stainless steel/steel, glass, plastic. As these materials are not derived from nature, the process of producing them are usually harmful to the environment. Their production processes have various environmental impacts, including air emissions (e.g. CO, SOx, NOx, PM2), wastewater contaminants, hazardous wastes, and solid wastes. Furthermore, these materials are not biodegradable, which means they can’t easily be decomposed.

 

 

Local Production

All of our products are handcrafted from local and natural materials. Each individual piece is sustainably and ethically made by highly skilled, dedicated artisans using techniques handed down through the generations. Traditional craftsmanship is infused into all our products, and each of our items reflects the passion, love and skill of the hands that made it.  

 

Supplier & Partnership Standards

It is important that our suppliers & partners share the same values and meet our standards. We always screen for their social and environmental practices, and only choose to work with those using eco-friendly materials, green production processes as well as implementing fair labor standards.