Fleurs sombres

MadMatters is a trusted purveyor of Eco-friendly Mats, Rugs and Runners. Mats made from recycled materials and sustainable products in a zero waste facility in Yorkshire, England. We also carry materials to make your own rugs using hand punch needles.

Fred and I are not hard-core Greenies. We do not buy our underwear from the Thrift Store and we do not follow bottle drinkers around chanting "shame".

We do own a Soda Stream and love it. We do compost. And we also use toothpaste far past its expiration date. We used to take our hotel shampoo bottles and soap to the women's shelter but have since learned better.

Maybe that's the best way to describe us – when we know better, we do better. MadMatters has evolved into a manifestation of that. We found better products and want to share those great finds with you.



P E R S O N A L    B A C K G R O U N D

I grew up poor. European poor – that means that we grew our own vegetables, canned them and made our own wine and jam. My germanic parents didn't buy much, but when they did they invested in quality products and took care of them. I learned that saves money, time, energy and consequently happens to be very environmentally friendly. Things that last don't end up in the landfill. Things that last don't need to be replaced over and over again by things that end up in the landfill. In North America, we are taught the opposite. We are taught that we cannot afford quality. I'm living proof that you can.

Fred grew up Mennonite. His family was not poor but Mennonites are frugal. They understand the value of a dollar and their ideology centres around service. While belongings are not idealized, they are cared for and respected as precious gifts. Money is not wasted and neither is time. In Mennonite culture, "handmade" is synonymous with recycled. Traditional quilts are made from the pretty scraps left on worn pyjamas; rag rugs are made from the sturdy strips of pants that can no longer be mended; and rugs are hooked from the wool bits of sweaters and socks that have seen better days.

"Something from Nothing" is the song of our people.

We hope you'll join us... at least for the chorus.