SUSTAINABILITY
Constant Consciousness
We like to consider ourselves a kind and conscious company, but we know there will always more that we can do.
Caring deeply for the planet, working tirelessly to find highly skilled, independent craftspeople, building a considerate team and constantly deepening our curiosity for the origins of each material are just a few of the ways in which we’re continuously trying to do better.
In fact, to help us do our very best, we have formed a sustainability and consciousness committee and together, they will take account of every strand of the business and the impact it has on the environment. Below, we've shared some of the initiatives that we have in place at the moment to help us in our crusade to be ever more thoughtful and ever more aware and empathetic to people and planet.
GIVING BACK
Our Charity Initiative
Conscious behaviour requires us to look at the world around us, to understand what we can do to help the causes that are close to our hearts, and to ensure that we keep looking at the bigger picture.
Having built a team of compassionate individuals, we started a new initiative in 2021 whereby each staff member chooses a charity to donate a portion of their salary to every month. As a company, we match what each person gives too. In the past on events such as Black Friday, we have all chosen to donate a day's salary to you chosen charities too.
Below you’ll find a little more from a handful of our team on who they have chosen to pledge to and why...
Railway Children – Chosen by Lucy and Graeme
Since having our daughters Alma and Agnes, children have definitely become our achilles heel. The thought of any child living on the streets with nowhere or no one to turn to is a truly devastating thought for us both. The Railway Children Charity provides protection and opportunity for children who find themselves in this situation, working with children in India, East Africa and the UK.
The Woodland Trust – Chosen by Paul
I chose The Woodland Trust for my monthly donation. We are all aware of the impact climate change is having, and will continue to have, on our planet. Trees play an essential role in mitigating this crisis. They lock up carbon, provide an alternative to fossil fuel energy, and provide valuable habitat for our declining wildlife. The team at The Woodland Trust work across the world to plant beautiful, flourishing woodlands full of life, to restore damaged ancient woods to their former glory, and to inspire millions of people to enjoy and protect our natural world.
Diabetes UK – Chosen by Alex
At the age of four, my brother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body mistakenly attacks its own cells. For the 36,000 children and young people living with type 1 diabetes, it can make childhood a frightening place, which is something I’ve witnessed first-hand. Diabetes UK is at the heart of research into immunotherapies, a treatment which aims to stop that attack from happening to prevent or even cure the condition.
YoungMinds – Chosen by Mark
Although the pandemic may be – for the most part – over, life remains difficult for those most disadvantaged by the current challenges the world is presenting. Children of all ages are among those with the most serious obstacles put in their way, and the support provided by YoungMinds helps those most in need of an escape from trauma and hardship.
The Swan Team at Aintree Hospital – Chosen by Molly
The Swan Team at Aintree Hospital work towards improving the experience of end of life care at Liverpool hospitals. Not only did they care for my Nannie in her final few days but also for my entire family while we were there with her. The Swan Team were the kindest of souls and made a difficult experience for us all as positive as it could’ve been.
World Animal Protection – Chosen by Sheila
At the hands of some human beings many animals across the world endure a lifetime of pain, suffering and cruelty from the moment they are born. I have, therefore, chosen World Animal Protection because they work and campaign tirelessly to effect change, helping governments and communities to protect and care for their animals. They believe that all animals must be cared for humanely and protected from pain and fear, given a life worth living and a life they deserve.
Alzheimer Society – Chosen by Zoe
I would like my donation to go to the Alzheimer Society as it is a cause which affects so many people and I have an overwhelming fear of this dreadful disease. It has impacted some very close family and friends in one way or another.
Woking & Sam Beare Hospice – Chosen by Michelle
Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Wellbeing Care is a local charity that provides an essential service to enable those with life limiting illnesses to live life to the full and to equip them to die with choice and dignity.
Care4Calais – Chosen by Lily
Care4Calais is a volunteer-run charity delivering essential aid and support to refugees living in the UK and Europe. Currently around 700 refugees are living in and around Calais, sleeping rough in the worst imaginable conditions, not even allowed tents for shelter from the elements. Operating year round, the focus of Care4Calais is to provide warm clothing, bedding, food and medical assistance to people in desperate need. As someone whose family has had the luck and privilege to be born in a place of safety I would like to think it's our shared duty to extend a hand to the mothers, fathers and children alike who do not share in this freedom.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home – Chosen by Saskia
My life would not be half as good as it is without the companionship and unconditional love of a few furry friends. I am donating to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home because every pet deserves a chance at a loving, forever home. Their hard work spreads immeasurable warmth by connecting people with pets, easing loneliness with help of a wagging tail and loving purr. Battersea’s tireless dedication to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals is nothing short of extraordinary. Through my contribution, I am not only supporting a cause close to my heart, but I am also ensuring that these animals have a chance at a life filled with love and security.
CONSCIOUS SOURCING
Our Makers and Materials
Our makers are the lifeblood of Rowen & Wren and we have built strong relationships with so many, far and wide. Each carefully chosen to contribute their expertise; it takes many talented hands to bring a beautiful home to life after all.
In a bid to lower our carbon footprint, we have been turning inward on our small yet mighty isle, shifting our focus to British makers for some time. From willow growers and weavers to UK-based ceramicists and British upholsterers who opt for seasonal hardwoods, we’re working hard to both maintain and establish new relationships with homegrown talent.
As it stands, British makers are responsible for over half of our collection, and there will be plenty more to join us yet.
PROGRESS IN PACKAGING
Recycled, recyclable and reusable
When you receive something from us, we want you to feel our gratitude but to also give you a sense of a smile that can be hard to achieve in the land of e-commerce. At the same time though, we have to (and want to) make sure that our packaging isn’t wasteful – a fine balance where being environmentally-minded is as important as creating a lovely, thoughtful experience.
As part of our packaging overhaul project, we’ve introduced a new element that we hope satisfies all of those points. Each season, we commission a British artist to design a postcard with their interpretation of our latest collection and where it was photographed.
Printed on recycled and recyclable paper yes, but really, we created them with the view of them being reused and to spread the word about independent British illustrators. How we hope that you’ll consider them special enough to frame or to even partake in that age-old pleasure of putting pen to paper and surprising someone with your own note of appreciation.
FURTHER PLANS FOR OUR PACKAGING
An Overhaul in the Making
Our boxes are now all made using 100% recycled materials but we know there is always more that we can do.
Even the tiniest of details can make the biggest of differences and an often overlooked but essential element of your items arriving safely is the tape used to fasten everything in place. We knew it needed to be strong but we also needed it to be mindful of our planet. And so, we introduced recycled (and recyclable) paper tape with environmentally conscious adhesive. Using just the right amount to make sure everything is secure, while not being wasteful is always our aim.
In a bid to reduce waste, we've moved our returns process entirely online and any signs of plastic will slowly begin to disappear. Just know that we’re working on it, constantly.
