Green Choices and Other Beautiful Headaches

— or how I built a stationery business by overthinking paper (and doing it for the planet)

Here’s the thing: I didn’t start Atelier scriptural Writuals because I had time.
I started it because I had a baby, a light case of existential dread, and a deep, slightly obsessive love for good paper.

When Rosalie arrived, suddenly, “doing my best for the planet” turned into “doing absolutely everything I can so she has trees to hug someday.”

That’s how this whole thing took root — not in a strategy session, but somewhere between nap #2 (Rosalie's, not mine) and an eco-anxiety crisis.

Writuals is my love letter to slowness, ritual, and making stuff that doesn’t haunt the environment.
Even if it means... taking the long way. Every. Single. Time.

Spoiler: being sustainable is not the most convenient lifestyle choice.

It means:

• Giving up that perfect laminated finish (you know the one) because plastic ≠ poetry

• No glue-based binding, even though lay-flat planners are dreamy

• Getting way too emotionally invested in the texture of recycled kraft paper

• Calling my printer a third time to ask “Is this ink actually eco or just eco-vibey?”

• Scrapping packaging plans because the “green” box turned out to be a beige lie

• Saying no to options that are almost responsible but not quite — even if they’re very cute

Do I make things harder for myself? Absolutely.
Would I do it any other way? Not a chance.

What I use (and why it keeps me up at night — in a good way)

• Paper: Always recycled, FSC-certified, uncoated. No gloss, no lamination, no shine. It lives, it bends, it ages — just like us.

• Ink: Soy-based, plant-based, or eco-formulated. No questionable toxins, just good vibes and pigment.

• Packaging: Biodegradable mailers, recycled boxes and padding, compostable tape, and thank-you notes printed on seeded, recycled, or scrap paper. Packaging combo depends on the order size.

• No adhesives

You can read the full breakdown on my Environment page.

Why I go slow (on purpose)

I don’t release things in a rush.

I follow a seasonal production wheel.

I don’t overprint.

I don’t chase trends.

I believe slowness is a form of care. For the planet. For my own nervous system. For people who want to buy something meaningful instead of just more stuff.

And no, I’m not perfect.

I’m learning. I make mistakes.
I sometimes wish I could just laminate one thing and walk away (but I won’t).

Better options are coming out all the time — materials I dream about at 3 a.m.
And someday? I’d love to offer a line of reusable stationery completely made locally. Think: refillable formats, clever designs, long-term companions you keep on your desk and in your life.

Until then, I’ll keep doing what I can:
Ask all the questions.
Choose the slower route.
Say no when it matters.
Say yes to the weird compostable option no one else wanted.
And make beautiful, useful things that leave as light a trace as possible.

Thanks for sticking around for the long way.
It’s not always easy — but it’s 100% worth it.

With fingers stained with beet-based ink,

Sarah B.
Founder, Atelier scriptural Writuals