Sustainability in interiors
Here at Studio Mahala, we have a single sustainability commitment, which we will regularly review and update to reflect our dedication to being as environmentally conscious as possible. We are not writing about sustainability because it’s trending, nor to tick a box and pretend that it’s something we care about. Sustainability is at the centre of what we do and how we live. Every small change we make has a cumulative effect, so here’s what we’re doing.
In the studio;
A ban on single use plastics
LED lamps in our lighting
FSC or PEFC Certified recycled or bamboo paper. From envelopes and printer paper to toilet roll and notebooks
Paperless statements and invoicing
Eco-friendly, non toxic, low or no VOC cleaning products
Recycled Kraft boxes and natural baskets for filing
Recycling. Including HP’s instant ink closed loop recycling
A carefully curated sample library of suppliers that share our ethos on sustainability
Rainforest Alliance certified coffee and tea
On our projects;
Our aim is to only ever specify and source pieces that are made for longevity and will always strive to work with suppliers who share this ethos. We’re always looking for natural, ethical, local, eco-friendly, organic, traceable, reclaimed, antique, or repurposed materials.
Examples include;
“Shopping the house”. This is where we establish any existing features and/or pieces that should remain and donating, repurposing or responsibly disposing of anything that won’t
We will only ever use FSC and PEFC certified wood if not using reclaimed
Continuing to build our little black book of brilliant suppliers that are local to specific projects
Often reupholstering furniture rather than always replacing with new
Always opting for naturally filled cushion pads rather than man made fibre
Sourcing traceable, organic and natural textiles
Only ever using eco-friendly paints and finishes with low or no VOC’s
Searching for alternative fabric treatments that are kind to the environment yet still meet requirements
Avoiding virgin aluminium and chrome
If leather is requested, we will only source certified organic cattle hides from producers that use chromium-free vegetable tanning
Ensuring clients keep fire labels for upholstered furniture so it can be donated to charity in the future. Sadly without this charities will not accept the item
Locally quarried, ethically sourced stone
When we travel;
Travel is a huge inspiration for us and something that is integral to our business. That being said we understand the impact it has on our environment and will always look for more sustainable ways to travel. We will keep track of and offset our carbon footprint at the end of each year, sharing exactly how we do it.
What next?
We’re in the process of setting up The Mahala Foundation to tackle issues that are close to our hearts, from helping people in need across the world to fighting deforestation and helping to protect our oceans. Every time you work with us on a project, buy our fabric or select one of our lampshades you will be helping these causes. We are a small company with big ambitions, to stay updated on everything we’re working to achieve simply join our mailing list below and follow us on Instagram.
