Shipping transparancy Why we ship from China
Written by: Lisette Gutker de Geus Last update: 22 March 2024
While most brands tiptoe around the origin of their products, we do it differently. At Mother’s Earth, we believe in transparency, a core value that guides every decision we make. Let's talk about something many brands shy away from: our choice to manufacture and ship from China.
Why China?
I know that "Made in China" sometimes carries a not-so-great reputation, and can raise questions or concerns. Trust me, when I was in your shoes I had the same!
But guess what? My son showed me a different side of China..
There are incredible companies in China committed to quality, sustainability, and fair practices. I was fortunate enough to find this out myself, together with my son, when visiting China to choose our suppliers to work with.
We were looking for a supplier and warehouse that could offer the same delivery times all over the world while also being environmentally conscious, and with that China is by far the best choice. This allows us to efficiently ship and deliver our products to customers all over the world while offering the best prices, and also minimizing our environmental impact. We only collaborate with partners who share our values. That are committed to quality, sustainability, and fair practices. That make sure all our products meet the highest European standards.
But what about the shipping But what about the shipping and
and
Shipping locally might seem like a more eco-friendly choice, but the reality is a bit more complex. Our decision to ship from China is rooted in environmental consciousness. By strategically choosing manufacturers and shipping methods, we've found that the overall carbon footprint is lower when sourcing and shipping from China compared to shipping locally. Let me explain… The products that you buy in store or have delivered with local delivery had to travel a long distance to reach that destination. Often these products have 5-7 different stops by boat, train, or even plane.
This leads to:
Carbon-Intensive Transport
Additional transportation legs—from ship to distant warehouses and finally to customers—inflate carbon emissions.
Protective Packaging
The risks of damage during cargo shipping force excessive protective packaging, exacerbating waste.
Port Boat Port Train Truck 3PI local courier or store
Traditional Methods =
7 stops
Port Boat Port Train Truck 3PI local courier or store
Traditional Methods =
7 stops
Direct shipping minimizes the overall distance traveled, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint.
This leads to:
Strategically Located Warehouse
Our fulfillment center is near our factorie. This keeps transportation to a minimum, dramatically lowering carbon emissions.
Efficient Shipping
Individual plane shipments reduce product packaging needs, cutting down on waste.
local courier or store
How we do it =
1 stop
Strategically Located Warehouse
Our fulfillment center is near our factorie. This keeps transportation to a minimum, dramatically lowering carbon emissions.
Efficient Shipping
Individual plane shipments reduce product packaging needs, cutting down on waste.
local courier or store
How we do it =
1 stop
On top of that we also compensate all the carbon that our shipments are producing. You can read more about how we exactly do this here. Through our partners we make all our shipments carbon neutral, making them a more sustainable option than delivering locally
Have you thought about
We've thought about producing locally, and it's a fantastic idea! However, we aspire to make a positive impact worldwide. Our mission is not just to influence the places closest to us but to contribute to a global shift towards sustainability. By operating from China, we can efficiently reach and inspire people around the world, encouraging sustainable practices and spreading the message of responsible consumption. While currently shipping directly from China aligns with our sustainability goals, we are committed to exploring opportunities for local production in regions where our brand has gained a foothold. Our long-term vision includes the establishment of production facilities closer to our customers, fostering a more localized and eco-friendly approach to manufacturing. In essence, our decision to ship from China is a conscious choice, aligning with our values of transparency, environmental responsibility, and global impact. We're not just a brand; we're a movement, and we're glad you're part of it.
Thank you for supporting us on this exciting journey!