“When we recognize the virtues, the talent, the beauty of Mother Earth, something is born in us, some kind of connection. Love is born.”
-Thich Nhat Hanh
Being out in nature invites me to pause and feel that I am part of the magic of this earth. It invites me to feel the breath in my lungs and know that it connects me to everyone and everything.
When we see ourselves as part of nature, we make caring for it a priority.
My work is a small and humble way to honor the beauty and generosity of planet Earth; it is a reminder of her generous gifts.
Here are a few ways I incorporate sustainable practices into my business:
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Quilts are made 100% cotton or linen fabric and are naturally dyed from plants. This ensures that no harmful chemicals are used in the dye process. This year, I am moving to using only organic fibers.
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Quilts are lovingly packaged with materials that are plastic free and recyclable. I order most packaging materials from EcoEnclose, a company committed to environmental sustainability.
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My little family lives car-free (yes, even with a toddler!). All packages are delivered to the post office by bicycle. I even travel to markets by bike, loading up my entire booth on a flatbed trailer! Good for the planet and our health.
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I try to minimize waste by repurposing fabric scraps for things like ribbon, cushion filling, and improv scrap projects. Water used during the dye process is recycled back into the garden, and all of the pigment from the dye baths is extracted and made into ink and paint.
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I am committed to supporting organizations that work for climate justice and environmental conservation. Each sale supports an ongoing quarterly donation to The Nature Conservancy.
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The process of commercially dying fabrics involves the use of chemicals that takes a toll on the environment. Since 2023, I have not purchased a single yard of commercially dyed fabric. Many of my dye plants are grown or gathered locally. Others are purchased from Maiwa, a women-owned company that has established relationships with farmers and artisans all over the world and is also committed to practices that are sustainable for humans and the Earth.
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where all can thrive. Their primary mission is to conserve the land and water on which all life depends. A portion of each quilt sale contributes to an ongoing quarterly donation that supports local environmental conservation efforts. Visit their website for more information.
“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.”