How Målbar changed the way I shop

Reflections from our Graphic Designer Natasha Mautone

How Målbar changed the way I shop and what I’ve
learned about sustainability since I joined Målbar

I’ve always considered myself a conscious shopper with a genuine interest in taking care of the environment, my own health, and the future generations. Even before joining Målbar, I tried to be mindful about what I bought, always asking myself whether I really needed something before starting the process of researching and purchasing it. I like understanding what I’m bringing into my home and how it affects not just me, but also the world around me.

Over time, this mindset has only deepened. I rarely buy new things anymore. Most of what I get is second-hand, and only when it’s something I truly need. For me that means something that supports my well-being, helps me stay sane and healthy, or serves a clear practical purpose, like a warm coat or a pair of waterproof boots for rainy days.

Since joining Målbar, my understanding of sustainability has evolved tremendously. I’ve learned so much about materials, production processes, and emissions, things I never thought about in such detail before. It’s both fascinating and overwhelming to realise how complex it is for consumers to make informed choices. What seems like a good option at first glance can sometimes have a surprisingly large environmental footprint once you understand the full lifecycle of the product.

A few key insights that stand out for me:

Looking beyond the label: Rethinking recycled materials
I used to think that anything made from recycled materials was automatically better than a virgin alternative, but I’ve learned that the process of collecting, cleaning, and reproducing plastics can sometimes be so energy-intensive and sensitive to which energy-source is being used, that the emissions can end up being higher than those from producing new plastic. So, the fact something is made out of recycle plastic is not automatically a good thing.

It’s essential to take a more holistic view; one that looks beyond whether a material is recycled and instead considers the full lifecycle of the material and the total energy consumption involved. Sustainability isn’t just about the origin of the material, but also about what happens throughout its entire journey: how it’s produced, used, and eventually disposed of or reused.

 

Wool, despite its natural appeal, has one of the highest emission footprints among textile fibres.
It’s a beautiful material; soft, warm, and breathable, but it comes with an environmental cost. From feeding and caring for the animals to processing the wool into yarn, each stage contributes to significant emissions. Woolen textiles often live very long, but is it long enough to justify the relatively high impact upfront?

Another big realisation for me is how much waste still ends up in landfills or is burned. Perfectly usable materials like textiles or plastics, are lost because systems for reuse and recycling are limited or inefficient. That thought has made me even more committed to using what I already own for as long as possible. And not just shop second-hand because it is second-hand but really consider if it is something I need and I also found myself spend less time exposing myself to shopping. I rarely go out for shopping and only search the internet when I need something specific.

So whether it’s clothes, kitchenware, or furniture, I now try to repair, resell, repurpose, or creatively reuse items before even thinking of throwing them out or buying new/reused items.

And I must say that I enjoy the simplicity and mindful approach about consumer goods. We really do not need much to thrive and I much rather spend my money on experiences, travels and local, organic healthy foods which gives me much more joy than any new jeans would do.

Overall, working at Målbar has made sustainability much more tangible for me. It’s no longer just an abstract idea about “doing better for the planet” it’s something I actively practice in my everyday life. I’ve learned that every choice, no matter how small, adds up. And while the perfect sustainable lifestyle might not exist, being conscious, informed, and intentional with my habits feels like a meaningful way forward.

I like Chef Anne maria Bonnaeus word on the matter:

“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly.
We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”