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Saplings began with two neighbours and a chat over the fence. It was literally a “what do you think of this idea?” conversation. Two weeks and a glass of wine (or two) later, a partnership was formed and there has been no looking back.
Our vision was to create an on-line retail store that would provide a “one-stop shop” to enable parents and caregivers to create and decorate children’s spaces in fun, innovative ways while being socially and environmentally responsible. When shopping for our own children’s rooms (we each have 3), we found ourselves asking "who  made this?", "what is it made from?" and "where was it made?" We also knew that our kids would not appreciate a room sparsely decorated with beige sheets.
We have made it our mission to solve this dilemma. We’ve done the research and answered the questions for you. All of the products in our store have been thoughtfully chosen for their esthetic and kid appeal (we have to love it and our kids have to too!), their quality (our kids are tough on their stuff) and their ability to meet what we call The Saplings Difference.
THE SAPLINGS DIFFERENCE
Our goal is to provide our customers with items that are of good design and appealing on every level, but that are also manufacturerd and brought to market using fair trade and eco-responsible practices.
Who Made It?
We have to know who has made all of the products we carry. From start to finish, all of the items we sell have been made by adult labour who are treated and paid fairly, facilitating the goals of Fair Trade. We strive to support local British Columbian craftspeople whenever possible. Imported goods come from small, family owned and operated business, providing products of the highest quality (many handcrafted).
What's It Made From?
We need to know what materials are used to make the products in our store. All of our bedding is made from 100% Organic Cotton and low-impact dyes. Refill (recycled bottles) and Alpaca Wool Fiber is used in our quilts, duvets and pillows. Our accessories are made from recycled materials or supplies locally available to the craftspeople. All paints used in our wall decor products are VOC free, and the MDF is formaldehyde free. Our artwork uses high quality "Made in Canada" acrylics.
Where Does It Go From Here?
All of our products chosen have a sense of timelessness. We do not want to fill our kids’ bedrooms with the latest mass-marketed trend or character that they will not like next year. When you are finished with an item it can be easily passed down to someone else or is made from materials that are easily recyclable or biodegradable.
 Why It Matters To Us. . .
Our kids are growing up in Port Moody, BC., where they can ride their bikes, play in the forest in our backyards and throw rocks in the nearby ocean. We want them to understand the value of this and the importance of protecting it. We want this type of environment for our grandkids.
Children should spend the majority of their day playing and sleeping in spaces that are creative and fun, yet free of harmful chemicals. By leading through example and investing in items that do not contribute to excess waste and that help in the betterment of peoples' lives both locally & globally, we are showing them that we care about the world we live in - and we all know that children learn by example.
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