OUR MISSION
Designed with our future in mind.
We’re often hesitant to refer to our brand as sustainable because the term has been overused and inaccurately applied by. It’s important to us that you know exactly what we mean when we talk about sustainability, which is why we will always be transparent and honest with you about where we are at and where we are going.
Pursuing sustainability means continuously looking for more environmentally conscious solutions, questioning our materials and manufacturing methods, ensuring our packaging and products are made in countries with high labor standards or by people being paid a living wage, and creating opportunities for vulnerable communities.
There is no justice for the planet without justice for its inhabitants.
Our approach to sustainability has been inspired in part by the work of scholar and activist Kimberlé Crenshaw, who developed the theory of intersectionality, and environmental activist Leah Thomas, who defined the term “intersectional environmentalist.” Through their work, we have come to understand that there is no justice for the planet without justice for its inhabitants.
We recognize that as a for-profit company selling consumer goods, we will never be truly sustainable — but that won’t stop us from continuing towards our never-ending goal of becoming more sustainable. We promise to keep evolving by educating ourselves, continuing to seek out innovative solutions to our environmental shortcomings (which we are bound to have), and prioritizing business practices that protect and support the people of our planet, especially marginalized ones.
Where we are at and where we’re going.
It’s important to us that you know exactly what we mean when we talk about sustainability, which is why we will always be transparent and honest with you about the work we are doing towards our mission.
We opt for small production runs across all of our product categories in order to reduce waste while meeting customer demand. Our glassware and jewelry are produced by hand in extremely limited quantities by our founder, Rebecca Mapes. We also work with a group of independent makers and emerging artists to create exclusive, small-batch goods.
Our hair accessories are made from cellulose acetate, a plant-based plastic derived from wood and cotton linters. We also utilize pre-consumer recycled cellulose acetate made from the waste created in our manufacturing partner’s facility. Our Clean Case is 3D printed in Amsterdam using locally recycled plastic made from food packaging waste. The precious metals and diamonds utilized in our jewelry come from a group of suppliers selected for their dedication to utilizing recycled materials whenever possible.
We currently use biodegradable GreenLine poly bags to package our wholesale orders but are looking for a solution that eliminates the use of these bags. We are also working diligently with our vendors and partners to find innovative packaging and shipping solutions that do not require the use of single-use plastics. Any plastic and plastic film that is received in packaging from our partners is carefully recycled.
In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we opt to ship via USPS so we can utilize daily mail routes. Our consumer packaging is made with compostable or recyclable materials. All printing is done with algae or soy ink.
We’re just getting started and know there is so much more work to be done — and we also know we can’t do it alone. Real change will only come as the result of comprehensive global policy and corporate responsibility, and we will do everything we can to support these initiatives. Winden is a Public Benefit Corporation. We are currently partnered with 1% for the Planet and Carbonfund.org.
Have an idea or recommendation for us? Get in touch with our team at info@winden.world
[01] – Intersectionality Matters with Kimberlé Crenshaw
[02] – The Intersectional History of Environmentalism
[03] – Here’s How Much Plastic Waste is Littering The Earth by Laura Parker, National Geographic