Sustainability

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We’re actively looking at ways we can produce less waste and reduce carbon emissions through the materials we use and the packaging materials we choose. It is the least we can do for this beautiful little place we live and work called New Zealand.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At My Guestbook, we believe the things we create should be as thoughtful for the planet as they are for the people who use them. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword for us – it’s woven into the way we design, source, and handcraft every guestbook that leaves our Waitākere Ranges studio.

Handmade to Last

Mass-produced products are often designed with short lifespans in mind. We do things differently. Each guestbook is handmade to order, meaning we don’t create excess stock that sits unused or ends up as waste. Every book is made for a real person, a real occasion, and a real story. By slowing down the making process, we can ensure that our guestbooks are not only beautiful but built to last a lifetime. Heirlooms, not throwaways.

Materials That Matter

We choose our materials with great care. Our archival-quality Mohawk Superfine papers are FSC-certified and acid-free, ensuring they stand the test of time without damaging the environment. Our cloths, linens, and foils are sourced from suppliers who share our values, and whenever possible we select options that are recyclable, compostable, or have a lower impact on the planet. Choosing premium materials doesn’t just make our books look and feel exquisite – it ensures they are more durable, more sustainable, and ultimately more respectful of the world around us.

Supporting Local, Reducing Miles

Being based in Aotearoa means we are surrounded by creative talent and responsible suppliers. We prioritise local sourcing whenever we can, working with New Zealand makers and businesses to keep freight miles low and to support our community. For materials that must come from further afield, we partner only with trusted suppliers who are transparent about their practices and committed to ethical, sustainable production.

Thoughtful Studio Practices

Our studio sits among the bush of the Waitākere Ranges, and we take inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds us. That means we are constantly working to reduce our impact. Offcuts and scraps are reused wherever possible for samples, smaller projects, or recycled responsibly through local resource rescue centres. We make in small batches , and we’re always looking for ways to improve how we use resources, from switching to more efficient lighting to limiting unnecessary packaging.

Sustainable Packaging

Every order is packed with as much care for the planet as for your guestbook. We use recyclable and compostable packaging, avoiding single-use plastics wherever possible. Our boxes are made in New Zealand and our courier bags are 100% recycled from ocean-bound plastic. The protective sleeves used on our Fingerprint Trees are archival so can be reused to preserve precious documents. Our packaging is designed to protect your book in transit while keeping waste minimal. Simple, sturdy, and sustainable.

A Keepsake for Life

Perhaps the most sustainable thing we do is create something meant to be kept. A guestbook is not a throwaway product. It’s a keepsake, a piece of your story, and a family heirloom that holds meaning long after the last page is signed. By creating something that will be treasured for generations, we encourage mindful consumption – investing in one special piece that endures, rather than in disposable alternatives.

A Journey, Not a Destination

We know sustainability is ongoing. There is always more to learn and more ways to improve. We are always exploring new eco-friendly materials, working on ways to further reduce energy in our studio, and caring for the greenery around our workspace to give back to the land that inspires us. Small steps add up to big change, and we are committed to continuing this journey with transparency and care.

Why It Matters

When you choose a My Guestbook piece, you’re not just buying a product. You’re supporting a small family business and a way of making that values people and the environment around us. Every decision, from paper choice to packaging is made with sustainability in mind. It means your guestbook isn’t only a reflection of your special day, but also of a shared commitment to preserving the beauty of our little corner of the world for future generations.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We are proud of the sustainable choices we’ve made so far, but we know we can always do better. Every guestbook created is part of a bigger story. Thank you for choosing to celebrate your milestones with us, and for helping us keep our planet in mind with every page.