Reducing, reusing, recycling, and sustainability have always been at the core of our values. For Siesta this is not a new trend, it is something we have done for over 40 years!
We have always tried to be eco friendly wherever possible and here are a few examples of how we continue with this ethos.
Reduce
- We try to reduce the number of shipments we receive from abroad by consolidating supplier deliveries within each country.
- We reduce the amount of air miles used by choosing sea freight wherever possible.
- We have reduced plastic in our shipments to almost none — only where absolutely necessary. Wherever possible we reuse any bubble wrap or packaging sent from our suppliers for wholesale orders, as this is better than discarding it.
Reuse
- We reuse cardboard boxes from our suppliers, local businesses, and staff personal deliveries for wholesale orders.
- We also reuse packaging materials from suppliers — for example, paper wrapping becomes padding inside a box for our wholesale orders.
Recycle
- We stock many recycled products — from repurposed saris and rice bags to our famous Baja jumpers, made from 100% recycled textiles.
- Both our warehouse and shop recycle their own waste carefully and consistently.
Sustainable Practices
- Most of our wooden products are made from fast-growing woods and plants such as bamboo, rain tree, mango, and albizia.
- Many of our paper products are made from fast growing shrubs using traditional methods which ensure sustainable harvesting and ongoing planting. Examples include lokta paper from Nepal and saa paper from Thailand.
- Some of our textiles are made using off-cuts from other products. For example, our drawstring pouches use leftover material and are made by Nepali women in their spare time — generating income and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
- We never destroy or discard clothing. Unlike some big-name brands, we keep items until they’re sold.
- We are committed to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade and are longstanding members of BAFTS- Fair Trade Network UK.
- We are members of Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), which helps us improve ethical practices across our supply chains, including labour standards, health and safety, environmental impact, and business ethics.
Order Packaging
Retail Packaging
All retail orders are packed using paper, cardboard, paper tape, and maize puffs (they look and act like polystyrene, but are basically 'Wotsits' without the cheesy flavour – please don’t eat them!). Any bubble wrap used is biodegradable.
Wholesale Packaging
We reuse cardboard boxes and packaging from suppliers, local businesses, and staff deliveries wherever we can. Any new bubble wrap used is biodegradable.
Why might I find some plastic packaging in my order?
We are actively working with suppliers to reduce plastic packaging. However, some plastic use is currently unavoidable. Many of our products are shipped by sea freight, and the long journey can expose goods to moisture. Plastic helps protect them from water damage and mould.
To reduce plastic further, for certain products we ask suppliers to use one large protective sack to line the box rather than individual plastic bags per item. We then reuse these sacks wherever possible in our warehouse to collect other recyclable materials.
The company we use for our business recycling can handle most types of clear plastic (like the kind used for clothing packaging). If you're a wholesale customer and would like us to remove the clear plastic from your clothing order, just leave a note in the comments section of your order and we'll recycle it for you.