Preserving the past. Protecting the future 🌎

Earth day is an annual event on April 22nd designed to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Started in 1970 by people who were called “crunchy,” “granola,” or “tree huggers,” Earth Day as grown into a more mainstream following with more than 1 billion people in 193 countries participating in some sort of activity related to the day, You can learn more about the 3-day plan at EarthDay.org.

If you are still reading along with us, you might be scratching your head - or something else for that matter - wondering “what the feck does Earth Day have to do with Biddy Murphy?” Well, we’re proud to tell you that our suppliers don’t think Earth Day is limited to one day of the year. When you live on an island like Ireland, you have to be keenly aware of what you use, what you produce and what you throw away...every day.

As an example of our supplier’s sustainability in action, maker-partner Caulfield Country Boards, located in Co. Meath has gone so far as to “miter in” a sustainable philosophy throughout their business. Whether it’s how they design, package or create, Caulfield begins with sustainability in mind. In fact, our charcuterie cutting board, coasters and wall hangings have all been crafted using off-cuts of wood that might have otherwise been sent to the rubbish pile or merely gone to waste.

Our maker-partner John Hanly & Co. set up their weaving mill beside the Nenah River in 1893, using the waterwheel to provide power and wash it’s wool. In 1938, they transitioned to using electricity when their original main wheel was replaced by a water turbine. Hanly still uses that same turbine today to produce electricity from the river. All of the electricity used by John Hanly to produce our Caps, Scarves, Throws and Capes comes from renewable sources.

Another maker-partner, Kerry Woolen Mills has also been using sustainable power to drive it’s business for more than 300 years! Kerry Woolen Mills, located in the iconic Ring of Kerry in Co. Kerry, Ireland draws upon the adjacent River Gweestin for the power to drive it’s machinery and the water to wash and dye it’s wool that ultimately goes into our King Size Wool Comforter Blankets, Ruana Shawl Wraps and Capes.

We are also proud to offer high quality, authentic Irish goods that are crafted to stand the test of time. Whether they are timeless symbols or durable goods, you won’t find “throw away” items here.  We are committed to preserving the past by promoting the traditions, heritage and techniques that have been passed down through generations. We are also proud to protect the future by building relationships with environmentally conscious maker partners who practice these philosophies because it’s the smart thing to do every day. 

So when you shop with Biddy Murphy, you can count on being delighted on Earth Day and every other day too!

Slán go fóill - Bye for now

Ward Gahan

CEO - Chief Experience Officer