What Sustainability Looks Like at Handmade Hippo
Revisiting my values for World Environment Month
Let’s be honest — sustainability can feel like a big, overwhelming word. Especially when you're juggling school runs, snack negotiations, toddler meltdowns and trying to remember which day your child needs their PE kit this week.
But at Handmade Hippo, sustainability doesn’t mean being perfect. It means making conscious choices, taking small steps, and doing things differently, where and when you can afford to - in a way that fits into real life.
With World Environment Month on the horizon, it felt like a good time to revisit what sustainability really looks like behind the scenes here at Handmade Hippo.
It started with fabric, and it grew with family
I’ve always loved textiles - as a fine art student, I spent years repurposing vintage fabrics, breathing new life into forgotten patterns. A few years later, when I became a parent, things shifted. Suddenly, I was surrounded by so much stuff- and once people were buying them toys rather than onesies- SO much plastic. Things that were impractical, broke, peeled, or lost their purpose in weeks.
I didn’t want to add to the mountain of landfill-bound children’s goods and I couldn’t find the kind of products I was looking for: playful, practical, and made with the planet in mind. So I made my own.
And that’s how Handmade Hippo began, from one mum’s need for better options (and cute patterns).
So, what does sustainability look like here?
Spoiler: it’s not about bamboo forks, essential oils and minimalist kitchens. It’s about making products that last, the best way I can.
Here’s what that looks like:
Small batch production
Everything I make is made in small batches, right here in my home studio. That means less waste, more attention to every detail and less impact on the planet due to overproduction.Using remnant and offcut fabric
Many of my products - like scrunchies, key fobs and reusable bamboo wipes - are made using leftover fabric from other makes. What could’ve ended up as waste becomes something new, useful, and beautiful.Eco-conscious packaging
From glue-free belly bands to recycled paper and plastic-free wrapping, I’ve designed my packaging to be as planet-friendly as possible. And yes, all printing is done right here at home!Low-waste design
Even the teeny scraps get sorted and recycled responsibly. They’re sent to become stuffing in sports equipment through a recycling partner. Because no bit of fabric will go to waste if I can help it!
Sustainability isn’t a trend — it’s a long-term mindset
I don’t claim to have it all figured out. I’ve felt that overwhelming eco-anxiety. I’ve genuinely lost sleep worrying that I wasn’t doing enough. But what I’ve learned is this: we don’t need a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, we need lots of us doing what we can- imperfectly, but with heart.
That’s the spirit behind Handmade Hippo.
Whether you're switching to reusable wipes, buying fewer but better gifts, or saying no to single-use party bags, you’re doing something powerful.
What’s next?
For World Environment Month this June, I’ll be sharing more tips on small sustainable swaps, showing how I reuse materials in my making process, and shining a light on fellow small businesses doing amazing things too.
There’s always more to learn, and I’d love for you to come along with me.