sustainability

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

-Maya Angelou

Sustainability is something that is constantly a work in progress and continually evolving. For a (very) small business, it is a give-and-take process and challenging to get right all the time; however, I am always looking to improve where I can!

When I opened Maman Atelier in 2020, I determined that organic cotton was my preferred option with regards to sustainability, comfort, and quality. I am still producing many pieces from fabric stock I purchased back then! Since then, however, I have come to approach the topic of sustainability with more nuance. The sustainability value of organic cotton in comparison with conventionally grown cotton as well as other options such as bamboo, viscose, Tencel, recycled fibers, etc. is complex, to say the least. Currently, all Maman Atelier pieces are made using organic cotton fabric, one item employs hemp fibers as well. Notions such as elastics are typically made from nylon and elastane. I have seen some exciting developments with elastics made from alternative materials and look forward to exploring those possibilities in the future.

Maman Atelier pieces are designed, cut, and sewn in-studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Each item is made to order by the designer. This means that the energy required to produce one Maman Atelier item is greater when compared with one from a bulk factory run produced by a bigger brand. This also makes made-to-order items more expensive. The tradeoff is supporting a small, independent designer, and enjoying the unique designs and details that are not typically suitable for bulk production.

All packaging is made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. It is reusable, recyclable, and 100% compostable. In everyday business operations the goal is to create as little waste as possible. A couple small examples of this are the choice to exclude packing slips in favor of digital receipts, and recycling fabric scraps, or using them to stuff pillows!

I believe in reducing consumption, buying high quality products when possible, and caring for them well. Trends and change of style can be fun, but selectively purchasing the pieces you know you love and will wear again and again for years is a great step toward reducing one’s own environmental impact, however small it may be.

If you have any questions, please get in contact. If I don’t know the answer, I will do my best to find out!

We are all in this together.