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My business and the environment

The environment is very very important to me: I eat a plant based diet; I walk places; I recycle; etc., but I work to make things out of metals and materials that don’t always have the best interests of the planet in mind. It’s something I’ve struggled with.

I love making, and I don’t ever want to stop!  Some of the mining practices across the world though need to stop! So I have been researching how to limit my footprint, and involvement.

For several months now I have only been buying eco silver sheet and wire, this is silver made from recycled silver rather then virgin metal. All of my silver rings are entirely eco silver! I especially love making wedding rings, there is something magic about making something that represents love and commitment and that will hopefully be worn for decades before being passed on to the next generation, so I’m really happy to be able to do this in an environmentally friendly way.

My findings however I can’t source as eco silver and I want to be up front, chains, earring posts etc, may or may not be. If I can I will source them but at the moment its not something I can find; this is not a point of cost and profit margins, this is flat out I can’t find a supplier that sells them!

Metals have of course always been remelted and used again so there is possibly a recycled component but it is not guaranteed and honestly not likely. I know other makers are claiming to only work in 100% recycled silver, but unless they are making pieces without chains or other findings, their claims are suspect.

 

 

For gold there are a few options, fair trade or eco, I am now registered to buy fairtrade gold, but the options available are pretty limited 🙁 I am contacting more and more suppliers but no luck so far. What I can offer is again the recycled sort of gold but only in 18ct white and 18ct yellow gold. As more options become available to me I will start to use them, and I hope that as the refinery sees the increased interest in eco metals it will become easier to source more alloys.

And of course I need to mention that by buying from me you are supporting me and my family not shareholders, I don’t have foreign bank accounts in a tax haven, I gladly pay my taxes here in the UK. #shopsmall

I use the safest chemicals I can buy; even if they take a little longer to use. I recycle all my scrap and everything else I possibly can. I use Royal Mail rather than a courier that doesn’t pay its staff decent wages. All my metals, boxes, and tool suppliers are all based here in the UK too.

I love my job, and I love the environment too and I don’t see a divide, I’m going to try and improve my businesses environmental credentials as best I can. And I’m proud to be able to offer as many Eco friendly pieces as I do now. I want full transparency so ask away with any questions you have and I’ll do my best to answer!

2 thoughts on “My business and the environment

  1. I really loved reading your article and what a refreshing approach to take, not only to day to day living, but your attitude, approach and desire to responsibly source for your entire business. We have been working for several years at Serendipity Diamonds, introducing ethically sourced materials including Fairtrade Gold and Fairmined Gold. In addition we have introduced options for 100% ethically sourced large and small diamonds. If you would like to get in touch at any time, we have many friends within the UK jewellery sector – all ambassadors for responsible sourcing. We would be delighted to share with you experiences, information and ideas to develop more options for responsibly sourced materials.

    1. Hi Mark,
      Thats great to hear 🙂 I’ll head over to your site and have a look now, thanks for the comment. If we all do our little bit we can make the changes we need!

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