How to Spot Ethically Sourced Mango Wood: A Shopper's Guide

Mango wood is a popular choice for furniture and home decor items due to its beautiful grain patterns and durability. However, not all mango wood is created equal. The demand for mango wood products has led to unethical practices such as illegal logging and exploitation of workers. As a responsible shopper, it's important to know how to spot ethically sourced mango wood. In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to look for when shopping for mango wood items, including certifications, sourcing transparency, and fair trade practices. By following these tips, you can ensure that your purchase supports sustainable and ethical practices, while also adding a beautiful and unique piece to your home decor collection. So let's dive in and discover how to make informed and ethical choices when shopping for mango wood products.

What is Ethical Sourcing?

Ethical sourcing is the process of ensuring that the products we buy are produced in a way that is socially and environmentally responsible. This includes ensuring that workers are treated fairly, that environmental impact is minimized, and that products are made in a way that is sustainable. Ethical sourcing is important because it helps to prevent exploitation of workers and the environment, and supports companies that are committed to making a positive impact in the world.

When it comes to mango wood, ethical sourcing is particularly important because of the high demand for this material. Mango wood is often harvested from trees that are cut down prematurely, which can have a devastating impact on the environment. Additionally, workers who are involved in the harvesting and production of mango wood products are often exploited and subjected to poor working conditions.

The Importance of Ethically Sourced Mango Wood

When shopping for mango wood products, it's important to choose items that have been ethically sourced. This means that the wood has been harvested in a way that is sustainable and that workers have been treated fairly throughout the production process. Choosing ethically sourced mango wood products helps to support companies that are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and on the lives of workers.

In addition to the ethical considerations, choosing ethically sourced mango wood products also ensures that you are getting a high-quality product. Mango wood is known for its durability and beautiful grain patterns, and when it is harvested and produced in a responsible way, it can be a great investment for your home decor collection.

Understanding Certifications and Labels

One way to ensure that the mango wood products you are buying are ethically sourced is to look for certifications and labels. These certifications and labels are typically awarded to companies that meet certain standards for ethical sourcing and sustainability.

One example of a certification to look for when shopping for mango wood products is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. The FSC is an international organization that promotes responsible forest management and sustainable harvesting practices. Mango wood products that are certified by the FSC have been harvested in a way that is environmentally responsible and socially beneficial.

Another label to look for is the Fair Trade certification. This certification ensures that workers involved in the production of the product have been paid fairly and have been given safe and healthy working conditions. Mango wood products that are Fair Trade certified are produced in a way that is socially responsible and helps to support workers and their families.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Ethically Sourced Mango Wood

When shopping for ethically sourced mango wood products, there are several factors to consider. These include:

1. Sourcing Transparency

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for mango wood products is the level of sourcing transparency provided by the company. Companies that are committed to ethical sourcing will typically provide information about where their wood comes from and how it is harvested and produced. Look for companies that are transparent about their sourcing practices and are willing to answer questions about their products.

2. Sustainable Harvesting Practices

Another important factor to consider is the harvesting practices used by the company. Mango wood is often harvested from trees that are cut down prematurely, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Look for companies that use sustainable harvesting practices, such as harvesting wood from trees that have reached the end of their natural lifespan.

3. Fair Trade Practices

When it comes to the production of mango wood products, fair trade practices are essential. Look for companies that are committed to paying workers fairly and providing safe and healthy working conditions. Additionally, look for companies that are involved in community development projects that help to support the local community.

As a fair trader, Aksa Home Decor is founded on the principles of economic fairness, sustainability, and community. Additionally, we make a charitable donation to Greening Australia to maintain the health of our natural environment and the health of our native flora and fauna. 

Read more about the 10 principles of Fair Trade on Aksa's blog post.

4. Quality of the Product

Finally, it's important to consider the quality of the mango wood product you are buying. Ethically sourced mango wood products should be of high quality and should be made to last. Look for products that are well-crafted and made with attention to detail.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Choosing ethically sourced mango wood products is an important step in supporting sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices. By considering factors such as sourcing transparency, sustainable harvesting practices, fair trade practices, and product quality, shoppers can ensure that their purchases are making a positive impact on the environment and on the lives of workers. By making informed and ethical choices when shopping for home decor items, we can all do our part to create a more sustainable and responsible world.