Caring for the Earth is very important to us and we believe it's our responsibility to always do better.
We aim to tread lightly and give back as much as we take. It's a constant work in progress but you can rest assured that when you purchase from Totem Road, our products have been made with the planet and people front of mind.
Our Commitments
Conscious Packaging
Our commitment to sustainability is seen throughout the entire process from factory to furniture, including how our pieces arrive to your homes. Totem Road is securely packed in fully recyclable and biodegradable packaging and won’t contribute to landfill or harm the environment.
It comes at a cost to us, but cheaper petrochemical-based packaging such as polystyrene, has a large manufacturing footprint, contains toxic substances and has little to no biodegradability.
Sustainable, FSC Certified Oak
Our oak is FSC Certified which means the timber comes from a forest that is responsibly managed. Trees in the certified forests are grown and harvested according to a strict set of guidelines that benefit the environment. Our wood is select-logged to support regeneration, biodiversity and the protection of native fauna.
Every last piece of wood is utilised in our manufacturing which as a result, means we have some of the lowest wastage percentages in the industry.
Staff and Customer Education
It might seem like something small, but from small things big things grow. We are constantly educating both our staff and customers on the importance of conscious purchasing. Totem Road designs are of high quality, mindfully and minimally designed so that they can be loved more than a single lifetime. Our intentional designs mean our pieces won't contribute to landfill or be replaced when trends change.
Giving Back
We are passionate about supporting, empowering and celebrating environmental causes and in the past, have donated to Sea Shepherd, Amnesty International, Project Aware and Greening Australia initiatives. During the devastating floods in the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland in 2022, we raised money for the Bundjalung Community Flood Relief by Koori Mail and donated 20 x brand new mattresses to Northern Rivers Neighbour Goods.
The next step in the Totem Road journey is to establish our own foundation where we can ensure funds are distributed to those who need it the most. We’re excited to share more information around this as it comes to light.