What Makes a Product Sustainable? (Beyond the Buzzwords)
What makes a product truly sustainable?
A product is sustainable when it's made from repurposed or low-impact materials, created ethically, built to last, and designed with minimal waste in mind.
Ever wondered what makes a product truly sustainable—not just dressed up in green wrapping? It's a word we hear constantly, often lumped in with 'eco friendly products' or vague promises of being 'green.' But if you're anything like me, you want to know what’s behind the label. Not the vague claims. The actual choices. And if you're after a real-life example, you can browse some of my handmade tote bags to see what sustainability looks like in practice. So here’s an honest look at what goes into making something that respects the planet—and why I try to do it that way.
Sustainable Materials: Start With the Fabric
The fabric is where it starts. I don’t buy new fabric unless I absolutely have to. I use off-cuts, remnants, deadstock, even fabric sample books that were on their way to the tip. Not because it sounds good in a product description—but because there’s already too much waste out there. Choosing those kinds of materials is one of the most practical ways I can contribute to a more sustainable and eco friendly environment.
Sustainable Craftsmanship: It’s Not Just About Materials
It’s not just about what you make things from. It’s how you make them. Everything I sew is made carefully, one at a time. There’s no production line or batch pressing. That kind of craftsmanship isn’t fast or flashy, but it’s thoughtful. And to me, that’s what makes it a real example of a sustainable product.
Why That Matters
Fast production usually means fast waste. Slowing down and sewing mindfully means each piece is made with care—and nothing is made just for the sake of it.
Things Should Last (No One Has Time for Flimsy)
If you're looking for something built to last, take a look at the handmade tote bags I make. They're designed with durable fabrics and made to be used, not just admired.
If something falls apart after three uses, it’s not sustainable—no matter how 'green' the packaging looks. I make things to last. Not just so you get your money’s worth, but because durability reduces waste. That’s what makes a sustainable product worth choosing. It's not about trends—it’s about staying power.
Ethical Production in Sustainable Products
Sustainability includes ethics. There’s no point talking about eco friendly products if they’re made in sweatshops. I work alone, but I care where my supplies come from and how people are treated along the way. A product isn’t truly sustainable unless it’s been made with fairness in mind.
Handmade and Limited Edition by Nature
Everything I make is one of a kind—or a limited edition, basically until I run out of the fabric. That’s partly because I use limited fabrics—but also because I like it that way. It’s more interesting, more personal, and yes—more sustainable. Mass production = mass waste. This is the opposite of that.
Choosing Eco Friendly Products: Why Your Decisions Count
For a broader look at how small changes in shopping habits can help reduce waste and plastic pollution, there's a great resource from Onya Life: 48 Eco Friendly Products You Can Buy Today to Help Stop Plastic Pollution. It covers a wide range of practical ideas and helps put everyday choices into perspective.
If you’re someone who appreciates the details—stitching, texture, and the feel of something truly handmade—then you might like the embroidered notebook covers. Each one is different, and none of them started life as a brand-new bolt of fabric.
I’m not here to guilt-trip anyone, but how we shop matters. Choosing sustainable and eco friendly products supports the people trying to do things differently. It helps slow things down and shift demand away from fast fashion and landfill.
A Small Choice That Makes a Difference
If you're choosing between something mass-produced and something made with purpose, you’re already helping shape a better industry. You’re showing there’s demand for something better.
Sustainable Living, One Thoughtful Choice at a Time
Sustainable vs Greenwashed Products: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Truly Sustainable Product | Greenwashed or Mass-Produced Product |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Repurposed, off-cuts, or low-impact fabrics | Often synthetic or vague claims like “eco fabric” |
| Production | Handmade in small batches, ethically | Mass-produced, minimal transparency |
| Durability | Designed to last years | Often flimsy or designed for short-term use |
| Uniqueness | One-of-a-kind or limited edition | Identical, mass-made |
| Transparency | Clear about sourcing and process | Uses buzzwords without specifics |
| Environmental Impact | Minimises waste, uses what's already available | Creates more waste or ignores waste altogether |
If you're looking for a perfect definition of sustainability, good luck—it’s complicated. But if you’re looking for products that are genuinely thoughtful in how they’re made, I can help with that. Real sustainability lies in the materials, the making, the ethics—and in the choice you make to support it.
If you’d like to see what that looks like in real life, take a look at some of my handmade cushion covers—each one made from materials that might otherwise have been wasted, sewn with care, and designed to be loved for years.
Thanks for reading. And if one of my pieces finds a home with you, just know it was made with more care than most things you'll find on the high street.
