Based here on the Isle of Wight, I supply nothing but sustainable and eco friendly products to clients.
CREDIT: Designers Guild
Many retailers claim to sell ‘green’ products, but not everything is as virtuous as it appears at first glance. If it's mass produced, chances are it's been shipped from the other side of the planet. Worse still, products can still contain plastics, even when you wouldn’t expect.
Made 'with' recycled materials is very different to made 'from'.
The same can be said for most interior design companies. They might offer a selection of sustainable products, but the vast majority of products they sell are far from green.
In my book, that’s not good enough.
To be a sustainable interior designer, you should never offer clients products that are damaging to the planet.
I put sustainability at the forefront of my work, bringing a more responsible approach to interior design. I only offer my clients products that come from companies who manufacture according to the principles of longevity and sustainability.
I question everything. Where was a product is made? Who made it and were the workers treated well and paid a fair wage. What is something made from? Are there any nasty chemicals? Can it be fully recycled at the end of its useful life? Is it biodegradable?
It’s impossible to be 100% perfect – and that’s not what I’ve set out to be – but I will do my upmost to only offer my customers sustainable and ethical products that have a lower impact on our planet, buying from manufacturers who share my values.
I also encourage clients to re-use. Even to the extent of telling them not to change something.
CREDIT: Tom Faulkner Furniture
CREDIT: Wight Nature Fund
After every project, I donate a proportion to charity.
I have chosen Isle of Wight-based organisations that align with my values, and rotate between Wight Nature Fund and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
But if you have a sustainable, ethical or local charity in mind, then I am very happy to consider that too.
CREDIT: HIWWT Theo Vickers
CREDIT: Wight Nature Fund
CREDIT: HIWWT Chris Fairhead
