Why We Choose Sustainable Products
I'll be honest, although I run a shop, I don't particularly enjoy shopping. I buy things infrequently and would much rather save up for something that will last, has been made well and has a smaller environmental impact. That's probably why you'll often see me wearing the same wool jumpers year after year!
Of course, it's not always straightforward. More sustainable products often cost more, which can make them feel less accessible. But I think it's important to look beyond the initial price and consider the wider value.
In the Forest School world, people are sometimes astonished that we sell hazel rods for den building.
"Why don't people just go into the woods and collect sticks?" is a question we hear regularly.
In an ideal world, perhaps they would. It would be wonderful if every resource was collected locally, reused or recycled. But the reality is that many schools, nurseries and families don't have access to suitable woodland, the time to source materials, or permission to collect them.
By offering hand-harvested hazel poles from sustainably managed UK coppice woodlands, we're providing an alternative to imported plastic products or mass-produced materials. Yes, they often cost more. But are we really comparing like for like?
Our hazel products support traditional woodland skills, active woodland management, biodiversity and rural livelihoods. They also help maintain woodlands that will benefit future generations.
At Muddy Faces, we make many products ourselves and specialise in UK-grown timber resources for education. When we purchase from other suppliers, we always try to source from UK manufacturers first. For example, our large shelters are made locally, and our Storm Kettles are made near Eydon in Northamptonshire.
Sustainability is not just about the environment. It's about people too. It's about supporting small manufacturers, skilled craftspeople, coppice workers and businesses that are helping keep traditional skills alive. Every purchasing decision has an impact, and whenever possible, we choose to support local people and local economies.
Sustainability is also not always about finding the cheapest option. Sometimes it means buying fewer things, choosing thoughtfully and valuing resources properly. That's not always easy in a world where budgets are under pressure, but we believe products that last, can be repaired and have a positive impact on people and the environment are worth supporting.
In an imperfect world, sustainable products do often come with a higher price tag. However, they are usually built to last longer, can often be repaired, and typically have a much lower environmental impact. Rather like my wool jumpers, they may cost more at the start, but we believe they're better value in the long run.
We certainly don't get everything right, and we know there is always more we can do. But wherever possible, we try to make choices that support children, communities, traditional skills and the natural environment.
As Christmas approaches, many of us are making purchasing decisions for children, families and educational settings. Wherever possible, I encourage people to think beyond the immediate price tag and consider the longer-term value of what they're buying. Choosing durable, sustainably sourced resources can be a meaningful way to invest in both children and the world they'll inherit.
Sometimes those choices are more expensive. We simply believe they're worth making.
Liz Edwards, Founding Director