My commitment to sustainability at Handmade Hippo
As a parent and small business owner, sustainability is a deeply personal priority for me. I believe that we all have a responsibility to care for our planet and make choices that reflect that. For my family, it’s not about striving for perfection but making thoughtful, eco-conscious decisions wherever we can. This sense of responsibility is something many parents feel, as we think about the world our children and future generations will grow up in. I think this is why Handmade Hippo resonates with so many parents who, like me, want to do better for the environment.
Unfortunately, a large portion of children's products and clothing are not designed with sustainability in mind. It’s staggering to realize that around 90% of children’s toys are made from plastic, and the children’s clothing industry contributes significantly to the fast fashion crisis. The textile industry alone is responsible for 10% of global CO2 emissions, more than aviation and shipping combined. While we can’t expect big corporations to change overnight, as individuals, we have the power to shift our purchasing decisions toward more sustainable choices.
Small changes, big impact.
At Handmade Hippo, I believe that small, consistent steps can make a big difference. My eco-friendly approach started at home with simple changes, like reducing single-use plastics and switching to renewable energy. These values are at the heart of my product development process. My sewing machines and other equipment run on renewable energy, and all packaging is plastic-free, using recycled materials wherever possible. For products like muslin swaddles, scrunchies, and tea towels, I print packaging at home to reduce waste.
Recycling materials.
Handmade Hippo's reusable bamboo wipes and scrunchies are crafted from fabric remnants that would otherwise be discarded, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. I also use eco-friendly heat transfer vinyl for personalized items wherever I can. For custom memory blankets, I give old clothes a new life by transforming them into a treasured keepsake, preventing them from ending up in landfills. Even the tiniest fabric scraps are repurposed and recycled through partnerships with organizations like First Mile, where they are used for stuffing in sports equipment.
Looking toward the future, I’m dedicated to making a broader impact. I’ve partnered with Ecologi to offset my carbon footprint by contributing to tree-planting projects and funding other eco initiatives around the world.
When you choose Handmade Hippo, you’re supporting a small, personal business that puts sustainability at its core. Every effort is made to reduce our environmental impact while creating high-quality, handmade gifts for your family and home. If you’re interested in learning more about my sustainability journey and how it shapes Handmade Hippo, check out my interview on the 50 Shades of Green Podcast | Wear 'em Out.