The Maya people have long believed that the earth is a living being and that they are its stewards. Their deep connection to the land is rooted in a respectful, reciprocal relationship with Mother Earth and the sacred elements of nature—one that is fundamental to maintaining their connection to the origins of life. This lasting worldview has also played a vital role in protecting and preserving natural resources.

As a fair trade business and verified member of the Fair Trade Federation, we use the ten fair trade principles to guide everything we do in the business. One of those principles is to “cultivate environmental stewardship.” We are actively called to prioritize the planet (and people too), consider the implications of all business decisions on the planet, and promote the responsible stewardship of resources. We are proud to say this is evident in many different aspects of our business which goes beyond just packaging or product offerings.

Weaving itself is inherently kind to the planet. Unlike mass textile production, it doesn’t rely on large factories or energy intensive machinery. Backstrap and foot looms use human power, resulting in a much smaller carbon footprint. Handwoven textiles are made to last, and because weaving takes time, these pieces often cost more which encourages a “buy less, choose well” mindset.

At Mayamam Weavers, our Zero Waste Collection offers customers opportunities to introduce small changes to their lifestyle that can help minimize waste and protect the Earth by replacing a disposable product with a beautiful handwoven one. Multi sized bowl covers, Utensil Wraps, Coffee Cup Sleeves and Cloth Napkins replace single use products that add unnecessary waste to the landfills. Eliminating single use products, whether plastic or paper, can have a BIG impact on the planet.  

Around the world, textile companies are responsible for an estimated 13 to 18 million tons of pre-consumer waste annually which includes fabric offcuts, defective products, and deadstock. In most textile companies, about 10-15% of fabric is wasted during the cutting process. At Mayamam Weavers, we have spent time carefully planning the layout of products to reduce waste and we have brainstormed ways to use the leftover scraps. Our Dog Tug Toys are a great example of how we use the scraps of our Mayamam Stripes Collection to create a fun, new product, using up as much fabric as we can and eliminating waste.  

Once our retail and our wholesale customers place their orders, products are prepared and packaged for shipping. No plastic sleeves or wrapping are ever used. One piece of FSC certified (which stands for responsible management of the world’s forests) red tissue paper is used to wrap the order inside a recyclable cardboard box which is then sealed with paper tape. If a customer orders gift wrap, the order is wrapped in red kraft paper with a blue bow then slipped inside a 100% recycled sleeve which then can also be recycled.

With every order placed on the Mayamam Weavers website, a tree sapling is donated. Customers can add a dozen saplings to their cart for $10 if they are interested in making a donation. Then once a year the donated saplings are planted during a community event in Cajolá that brings together people of all ages. We’re excited that this year 2044 saplings will be planted. Planting tree saplings is one way to take care of the earth and replenish her resources.

While Earth Day is an important day to celebrate Mother Earth and emphasize to the world, the importance of taking care of her, it is essential to keep this mind year round. It is also important to remind ourselves, that every decision no matter how small, that prioritizes the planet, is making a positive impact. The process is not black and white or all or nothing. Each step taken with the impact to the planet in mind, is an important one.