Sustainability Is Everywhere—But What Does It Really Mean?
Nowadays, terms like “sustainable” and “sustainability” are often thrown around loosely with ever-changing definitions. Many companies use them freely in marketing to appeal to conscious consumers—but make little effort to change their production or delivery methods, as real sustainability often comes at a cost. This overuse often leads to confusion, skepticism, and greenwashing, weakening the meaning of sustainability in the public’s eye.
At MasayaCo, sustainability isn’t just a word—it’s a guiding principle. It’s a necessity for the future of our planet, driving both our reforestation efforts and the creation of sustainable furniture and ADUs. It’s not just what we do—it’s at the core of our work every day.
In this article, we’ll explore how we put sustainability into action—because real change in our industry starts with those willing to do the work.
What Sustainability Means to Us.
Since day one, we’ve been rooted in reforestation, taking a hands-on approach to crafting sustainable furniture that not only restores ecosystems but also supports communities and provides a meaningful alternative to mass production.
For us, sustainability means revitalizing land through reforestation, protecting biodiversity, and creating ‘forever furniture’—durable, high-quality pieces designed to last for generations. Every furniture piece and every ADU we create reflects this commitment.
We only use FSC®-certified solid teak wood and have planted over 1.3 million trees on land previously used for cattle farming. Our products are thoughtfully designed to enrich the spaces they inhabit, offering authenticity, craftsmanship, and longevity—qualities mass production often lacks.
How We Put Sustainability Into Action.
Reforesting Degraded Land: We plant teak trees on land that was once clear-cut for cattle farming, helping restore soil health, improve water retention, and provide new wildlife habitats. To date we have planted over 1.3 million trees on previously degraded cattle pastures.
Beyond Monoculture: While teak is our primary resource, our forests also include native tree species, buffer zones, and protected areas. Today, 30-40% of the 1,300 acres we manage remain untouched as old-growth forest preserves, ensuring long-term biodiversity.
Forever Furniture: Teak wood is naturally resistant to moisture and decay, making it ideal for outdoor furniture and heirloom-quality pieces. By designing furniture to last, we help minimize waste and reduce landfill impact.
Whole Tree Approach: Our manufacturing process ensures that every part of the tree is used to maximize resources and minimize waste. Our sustainable furniture and ADUs are intentionally designed to utilize the whole tree, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high-quality craftsmanship.
Sustaining Rural Communities: Economic hardship is a leading cause of deforestation. By creating jobs in sustainable forestry, we offer alternatives to destructive practices like cattle ranching and slash-and-burn agriculture.
FSC® Certified Products: Our sustainably sourced furniture meets rigorous Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) standards, ensuring ethical and environmentally responsible practices that protect both the environment and local communities.
Seed to Seat: Principles Behind Our Sustainably Sourced Furniture.
We believe that responsible forestry is essential to creating a greener future, which is why we oversee the entire journey of our teak wood—from seed to finished product. Our “Seed-to-Seat” philosophy ensures that every tree we plant is part of a thoughtful, regenerative system that supports both the environment and local communities.
A key part of our sustainable approach is our whole-tree philosophy, which ensures that every part of the tree is used. Older teak wood is ideal for crafting durable outdoor furniture, like our Classic Adirondack Chair, a timeless design built to last for generations. Smaller cuts of wood are repurposed for accents and details, reducing waste while maintaining the integrity of our designs.
Beyond our approach to manufacturing and sourcing, we are dedicated to land conservation and reforestation. Through our preservation policies, all untouched forests on the land we manage remain protected, ensuring that natural ecosystems continue to thrive. In addition to conservation, we actively restore degraded land by replacing harmful agricultural practices with sustainable teak reforestation, rebuilding soil health and biodiversity.
By integrating reforestation, sustainable craftsmanship, and resource efficiency, we create sustainably sourced “Forever Furniture” that isn’t just beautiful—it’s purpose-driven, enduring, and environmentally responsible.
Sustainability Through Craftsmanship.
Sustainability and craftsmanship go hand in hand. By prioritizing traditional techniques, high-quality materials, and timeless design, we offer a thoughtful alternative to mass production, creating furniture that is built to last for generations. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans, preserving cultural traditions while also providing long-term employment opportunities in under-resourced communities—reinforcing our commitment to both people and the planet.
A "whole-tree approach" to manufacturing ensures that every part of the tree is used, minimizing waste and maximizing resources. Every cut of wood is intentionally utilized, with even the smallest offcuts repurposed into accents and details. This process allows us to create durable, heirloom-quality furniture, designed for a lifetime of use—a stark contrast to the disposable nature of mass-produced pieces.
Our commitment to sustainability is further reinforced by our FSC® Certification, a testament to our responsible forestry practices. We don’t just use teak wood—we respect it, carefully managing its sourcing and chain of custody to ensure that the land we restore today thrives for generations to come. Sustainable forestry plays a critical role in combating deforestation and climate change, helping to restore ecosystems while also supporting local economies.
Sustainability isn’t just about what we make—it’s about how we make it, who we support, and the lasting impact we leave behind.
Sustainable Furniture for a Better Future.
What started in 2008 as a reforestation project has grown into a company dedicated to combating climate change through reforestation and sustainable design. By integrating environmental, economic, and social impact, our goal is that every piece of sustainable furniture and every ADU we create contributes to a better future.
A purchase from MasayaCo or Masaya Homes is more than just an investment in design—it’s a direct contribution to reforestation efforts that restore degraded land, rebuild ecosystems, and support local communities.
For us, sustainability means handcrafting furniture and ADUs from 100% solid teak wood, ensuring that our work supports communities, expands reforestation, and leaves a lasting, positive impact. We take pride in leading by example, proving that beautiful, high-quality furniture can be made responsibly—without compromising design, durability, or craftsmanship.
If you’re looking for furniture that does more than just fill a space—Forever Furniture that tells a story, protects the environment, and stands the test of time—MasayaCo is the answer.
Together, let’s build a future where sustainability isn’t just a label—it’s the standard.
Author: Paola Luconi G. & MasayaCo Editorial Team