ZERO WASTE GOAL

Let's be honest, no one is 100% zero waste, but we get very close. Our zero-waste goal insures that all scrap fabric gets turned into something new. From headbands and protective parcel bags, to doormats and reusable sanitary pads for young girls in the community. We also have an initiative to donate recyclable sanitary pads to girls in refugee camps, alongside feminine hygiene programmes.

Finally, we employ a zero-waste pattern cutting technique, which means that our garments are designed to utilise the fabric to the maximum and minimise any waste at the point of cutting. Our designs are adaptive and can be worn in many ways, we have almost been able to do away with all zips, so each piece can adapt to the body more flexibly, and be cherished longer. 
 

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

We think that circular is the only way forward, so alongside our Zero Waste Goal, we have introduced a tracking and transparency system for products, which means we know who made and what went in each garment. We have also partnered with rental app By Rotation to make a selection of pieces available for rental. One of our goals once Covid has passed is to launch a mend and resale service, to extend the life of every garment we make.

SOLAR POWER

One thing Malawi can count on is the sun, this is why we have converted our workshop to run from solar energy! It's clean, efficient and good for the planet.

LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS

We care about the impact that our materials have on people and planet. Wherever possible our materials are sourced locally, reducing transport emissions and benefitting the local communities. We also select certified materials like organic cotton, or pick more sustainable fabrics such as linen. We also love to rescue fabrics that have been discarded or left over, like those used in our Saved and Not so Basic collection. Read more about our material choices. 

TACKLING PACKAGING

We take great care that all of our packaging is made from recyclable or compostable materials and printed using eco inks - that means the postal bag, stickers, labels and tissue paper too! Order a Mayamiko delivery and it could come in a hand-painted bag by artists like Nuaka and Nalaka, who graduated from the Chitra Lane School for the Special Child. A unique work of art and 100% sustainable.

ONE TREE PLANTED

We have partnered with One Tree Planted, an amazing non-profit organisation who are helping give back to the planet one tree at a time. Every time you place an order with Mayamiko you will have the option to plant a tree, we will then pay for One Tree Planted to do the honours and plant your very own tree!

I PREFER 30

 Mayamiko is a member of the Iprefer30 campaign. Making a small change in temperature can add up to some big benefits! Washing at the lowest possible temperature helps you to cut CO2 emissions, save energy and help the environment. Plus, your clothes will actually look better and last longer!

CERTIFIED PRODUCTS

Not all artisans or groups we work with can afford certification, and we believe they shouldn't be penalised for that. Our promise is that we make sure each group meets the ethical standards the Mayamiko customers value. Wherever possible, to help you find products that match your values, we have placed logos on individual products. Here are some of the logos you might see across the site. 

Having developed alongside our sister charity Mayamiko Trust, fairness and transparency have always been at the core of our approach which is why we go above and beyond to meet, or exceed, the WTFO Principles of Fair Trade. We also follow ILO principles and have documented our own Ethical Promise so you can know exactly what conditions your clothes were made under.

At Mayamiko we believe deeply in equality and tolerance. We do not discriminate in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/AIDS status or age. Our mission is to empower women, so, naturally, our activities focus on helping vulnerable women succeed and flourish. We respect the right of all employees to form and join trade unions of their choice and to bargain collectively, and we enjoy the healthy debates, as they are what allows us to deeply understand our impact and how we can positively increase it.

Principle Seven:  Ensuring Good Working Conditions

The safety of everyone involved in our activities is vital, both at work and on the way to and from. We work with our partners and employees to understand challenges and put in place measures to ensure everyone’s safety, together with sensitisation sessions to educate and empower. For example in Malawi, we have organised collective transport all of our employees to ensure ease and safety to those who have to travel in from smaller rural villages.

Principle Eight: Providing Capacity Building

This is one of the main reasons we exist in the first place. We constantly work to develop the skills and capabilities of our employees and artisan partners so they can support themselves and make their own choices about their future. For example, in Malawi we run business management, financial literacy and technical skills training, all at no cost.  We also have a clear professional development plan for our permanent employees so that they can continue to develop themselves.

Principle Nine:  Promoting Fair Trade

The words ‘fair trade’ have been in our mission statement from day 1. Our work bears testimony to the fair trade principles and the ‘trade not aid’ approach.

Principle Ten: Respect For The Environment

Here at Mayamiko we are committed to causing as little damage to the environment as possible, aiming for zero-waste and even reversing the impacts. From using left-over trimmings to make sanitary pads and giving you the option to plant a tree, to recyclable packaging and the promotion of environmentally friendly dyes, we don't stop!