It’s my company's birthday, Materialise Interiors is 17!   I'm hugely grafeful to have been in business for so long and to all who have supported my business.  THANK YOU!

I review my company giving each year on my company birthday and at the financial year end (Earth Day 22nd April). 

This post is a form of public reporing of progress on the handprint of the company.

GIVING BACK  

Last financial year decided to increase donations by switching from donating 5% of profit a year, instead to 5% of gross sales (turnover) a year.    You can read more about who I support on my Ethics Statement. 

MICRO-FINANCE LENDING   

For many years I’ve enjoyed helping micro-finance loans to small businesses in developing countries via Lend With Care and am now up to 45 loans (total was 37 loan this time last year).

CARBON OFFSETTING 

• COOKSTOVES  Offsetting carbon emissions is important, but addressing reduction of them is vital. I love planting trees but have learnt there’s other excellent ways to offset carbon - including providing cookstoves to developing countries.  Cookstoves are more efficient and safer to use than burning wood.  They decrease the use of wood by around 70%.  This reduces carbon emissions by around 2 tonnes per family per year and also leads to reduced smoke & an improved living environment.  In this way, forest areas are protected and women spend less time & energy collecting wood. 

I'm glad to report so far this financial tear my donations this year so far have offset 10 tonnes of Co2. (total was 7 tonnes of Co2 this time last year).

• TREES    I've loved supporting Jane Goodall's project with OneTree Planted. But as we don't have time for trees to grow to absorb CO2, I've shifted to planting much faster growing mangroves  which are planted to protect coastlines and riverbanks, restore biodiversity in ecosystems - and store 5 to 10 times more carbon than land ecosystems. 

This year my total is 3,002  (total was 1,992 trees this time last year).  NB. These are still counted as part ot the MILLION TREE PLEDGE.  This pledge is proof that micro companies like mine can make a difference.  The small action of joining together has a significant group impact.  I’m in great company - here’s the other Pledgers in the group.  Let me know if you want to join up too!

My ongoing tree donation commitment… 

-  At least 25 trees are planted for each new full project - and 25 more upon completion 

-  25 trees are planted for every successful client referral 

-   10 trees are planted each consultation.

VOLUNTEERING  

I donate time to pro bono work for charities, volunteering, charity and fundraising projects, running of Interior Design Declares and mentoring two designers.  To date 467 hours.

As well as actively being part of INTERIOR DESIGN DECLARES steering group and BUSINESS DECLARES, I have just signed up to the Design Council's DESIGN DECLARES as well.  I believe collaboration and sharing knowledge is vital to improving the impact businesses have on people, planet and animals.

Read the Declaration and Action Plan  here.  

Next reporting will be Earth Day 2023, 22nd April 

I've just been to the super inspiring Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.  I last went in 2014 and it's just as brilliant.  The mission of this yearly gathering of minds is to shape a better future, with urgency. There is so much clever innovation was on display.   It's such an innovative and unique show, spanning all disciplines. Whilst feeling futuristic, this  problem solving is very needed now!  If you get chance to go I really recommend it.  It's huge and you could easily visit things for each of the 9 days - or like me, pack what you can into two or three!  Read more here.  

Five takeaways from Dutch Design Week...

1. Some frustration! Why don't more design shows have a mission like this?  Also much of this innovation was from small studios and individual designers.  Come on industry!!
2. Lots of bio-based products - especially to replace plastic including VerenaBrom's sheet material using industrial juice press residues,  Caleyda a plastic substitute made from bacteria and Chemarts bio bubble wrap made from cellulose
3. Lots of clever demolition waste products @stonecycling
4. Sea silt sludge clay, requiring lower firing temperature and a provides a range of colours by @humade.nl
5. An air pollution busting car roof attachment by Reverso and the Lightyear 0 -the world’s first production-ready solar car.  There's a solar powered camper van too.   

If you'd like help with an interior design specification that is compassionate and low impact - then book a free Discovery Call here. 

It would have been #AnitaRoddick s 80th birthday today.

I’ve been re-reading her company biography ‘Business As Unusual’. Wow, what a remarkable path she trod for other businesses to follow. As part of Natura The Body Shop are part of the world’s largest B Corp UK. She was a real pioneer in ethical business.

My experience of the company has had a huge impact on my life and upon my own company I created after leaving nearly 17 years ago. From meeting my best friend; to my wonderful secondment in Melbourne to working at the two global head offices in the UK - making life long friends along the way.

How grateful I am to Anita (well, probably Karen, her PA!} for responding to my desperate letter asking for work in my early 20’s.

She went way too soon. But what a legacy she left us.
Thinking of the Roddick family today.

If you'd like help with an interior design specification that is compassionate and low impact - then book a free Discovery Call here.