the unwash review
Keeping entertainment sustainable can often be more challenging than expected. Single-use items from dinnerware to napkins are easy go-to’s that ultimately end up in the landfill. While purchasing reusable tableware for entertaining is a more effective way to practice circularity, few brands keep sustainability in mind. Los Angeles-based tablescape design house is going against the grain by making sustainable entertaining and dining more accessible. Their vast product selection includes napkins, tablecloths, table runners, and more, all made from surplus, reused, or recycled materials. An environmental focus is at the heart of the brand with the first project the company worked on was a zero-waste restaurant which inspired a larger line of sustainable products. Whether you’re looking for pieces for everyday use or a custom bespoke project, ATELIER SAUCIER brings people together through the art of gathering.
Founders Nikki Reed and Staci Insepktor share a passion for hosting but wanted to bring a fresh and elevated perspective to the industry. With their respective backgrounds in the food and fashion industry, the long-term friends always wanted to find an intersection of their two careers, which led to the creation of ATELIER SAUCIER Nikki was searching for sustainable table linens for a zero-waste restaurant in New York City but was left with few options. Noticing a glaring gap for sustainable table linens, the two set out to create a much-needed solution. The brand launched in 2019 and has continued to evolve with custom products and collaborations with companies including Brightland. Their environmentally conscious products have drawn in event planners, homemakers, interior designers, and creatives alike all searching for sustainable tablescape pieces that can be used for the day-to-day or the nicest of occasions.
“We uniquely meet their needs by offering an elevated, design-forward product that is eco-conscious not only in the nature of its use but its make-up and entire production process”. – Staci Inspektor, Atelier Saucier Co-Founder
ATELIER SAUCIER’s is rooted in sustainable practices from their fabric sourcing to production process. Their napkins, tablecloths, placemats, runners, and more are crafted from reclaimed textiles – making for a one-of-a-kind experience. The use of surplus, reused, and repurposed materials means that no two styles of napkins are alike, a unique quality that draws consumers in. The brand takes a small batch approach to ensure zero excess inventory and little waste. Sustainability is intertwined with community, ATELIER SAUCIER gives a portion of every purchase to local organizations that promote food and wellness initiatives around Los Angeles.
Sustainable companies are innovating items we use everyday that we wouldn’t often think to search for a sustainable alternative. A common through line with many environmentally conscious brands is that they are cultivating community and creating a larger impact outside of their products alone. ATELIER SAUCIER is bringing people back to the dinner table and offering an elevated experience through their products. The brand is also signaling a larger shift in the hospitality industry for larger companies, restaurants, and stores to reach for sustainable alternatives to promote more sustainable practices industry-wide. The brand’s use of reclaimed materials highlights that sustainable linens are just as chic if not more than conventional fabrics, therefore changing the narrative around what sustainability looks like.
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EcoBirdy
Belgium-based brand EcoBirdy is giving new life to tossed and unused plastic children’s toys. The brand repurposes plastic waste to create thoughtful design furniture, with a collection dedicated to kids. EcoBirdy is B-Corporation certified and has created its own system for sustainably recycling plastic toys. All of their furniture is completely made from recycled plastic which includes kids-sized pieces and artful lounge furniture.
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Ries
Ries is making the chicest refillable travel bottles you can get your hands on. Founded by a former Conde Nast staffer, Megan Graham has created sleek refillable containers with sustainability at the core. When it comes to traveling, we often buy travel-size personal care items or refillable containers that we throw away mindlessly. Graham found herself running into this problem when traveling for work and wanted to find a better solution.
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SortJoy
Sort Joy saw the need to fill the lack of sustainable options for storage products and chose to take their own approach by leaning into intention-led design. Their products offer high-quality, design-driven storage solutions that are multifunctional for all areas of life, all at a reasonable price point. Organizers are often meant to be hidden but Sort Joy’s bins, trays, and bags are a beautiful accessory to any room in your home.
