Growing up in Vermont, my childhood chore was to run our food waste out to a compost pile in the corner of our backyard, ensuring future fodder for my mom’s vegetable garden. I walked to school from the age of 8 to 18, and carried my lunch in a reusable canvas bag long before it was cool to do so. While sustainability was woven throughout various aspects of our home, in many ways, practicality was the driving force. Why buy compost when you can make it for free, while also reducing your rubbish? Today, I’m proud to be a part of the sustainable gift giving movement that is not only good for the planet, but also good for business. I have also found that more often than not, “sustainable” business operations just make sense.
Minimal waste production
Quiltlove is committed to following a “minimal waste” textile production process. This means carefully cutting squares to maximize the use of fabric as it comes off the bolt, and making creative use of scraps to prevent them from going to waste.
Specifically, after every ten quilts I make, I round up any remaining fabric and batting remnants that are too small for standard quilts. I pull out colors that tell a cohesive story, and usually throw in a playful print from my evolving stash. I use these materials to make a “scrappy” quilt via a completely freeform process, without the use of patterns. As a result, my wasted fabric can be measured in mere fractions of an inch.
I donate these one-of-a-kind quilts to George Mark Children’s House, where they are lovingly passed out to patients. This process helps keep my waste basket nearly empty. In addition, it allows me to make bright, beautiful, multi-colored quilts for children facing serious medical issues without purchasing additional materials. Lastly, I just think there is something warmly poetic about my donated quilts containing visual nods to past Quiltlove quilts. Wouldn’t you agree?
Lasting quality gifts
Fast fashion is notoriously harmful to the environment, due in large part to the intentionally short lifespan of trendy products. On the contrary, Quiltlove quilts are made by hand and are a decidedly “slow” textile. My quilts are high quality and made to last. Unlike perishable flowers, gift baskets of packaged consumables, or gimmicky gifts that go out of style, quilts stand the test of time.
Giving a lasting, high-quality gift is good for the giver, good for the the recipient and good for the planet, making it a no-brainer.
Other features of our sustainable gift giving
In addition, Quiltlove offers the following sustainable gift giving features:
I’m currently exploring options to eliminate the interior plastic shipping bag, while maintaining protection from moisture. Feedback welcome!
Triple bottom line
The phrase the “triple bottom line” refers to businesses focusing on profits, people and the planet, rather than exclusively the traditional bottom line. It is essentially corporate social responsibility, with an environmental component layered on top.
When it comes to sustainability, no business is perfect, Quiltlove included. I am however, making decisions everyday to keep this little business focused on the triple bottom line. Just as we care for the special people in our lives, let us also care for this wild and beautiful planet. It’s just good business.
As always, thanks for reading.
Warmly,
