Recreate.....Reimagine....Restore
This is our moment.
We cannot turn back time. But we can grow trees, green our cities, rewild our gardens, change our diets and clean up rivers and coasts. We are the generation that can make peace with nature.
Let’s get active, not anxious. Let’s be bold, not timid.
WWW.Worldenvironmentday.global
Today is World Environment Day. It is a time for us to get out amongst nature, appreciate what is around us and perhaps reflect a little on how our actions impact our planet.
At Rowena Mynott Silversmith, the environment is integral to the jewellery I produce. Not only in the designs that I create but in my work practises. Here is a little insight into how I am eco-conscious in my work space. There is definitely room for improvement but as with everything in life, it's a work in progress!
Eco Conscious Jewellery
100% Recycled Silver Bullion. All of my jewellery is created with 100% recycled silver wire and sheet. The silver has been recycled from the jewellery, giftware, medical and electronic industries by an independent company who refines it and creates silver that is of the same quality as newly mined sterling.
Hand Picked Sea Glass. The sea glass that I use in my designs has been hand collected by myself from local beaches. I choose not to outsource my sea glass as I have a good source locally but also aim to minimise my footprint.
Ethically Sourced Gems. All precious gemstones are from an ethically sourced supply chain. All diamonds are conflict free and purchased from legitimate sources.
Recycling Silver Scraps. All sterling scraps from creations are saved and melted together for future jewellery creations.
Chemicals. In silversmithing various chemicals are often used. Pickle to remove fire stain after heating for example. At the moment I am using up remnants of these chemicals (rather than just discarding) and will be moving towards a no chemical option in the future.
Recycled Boxes. My jewellery boxes are made from recycled cardboard. The company also buys locally where they can and employs eco-conscious strategies in their own workplace.
Paper Tape & Postal Boxes. All tape used is paper and shipping boxes are cardboard.
Wedding Ring Boxes. These special little boxes (yet to be announced) are an artwork in themselves. Hand made and filled with a wool lining they are a beautiful representation of artisan recycled packaging. I can't wait to share them with you!
Printed Materials & Stickers. At the moment these are not eco friendly but I am researching companies who can provide the same quality on recycled paper.
Postage. All orders are posted via Royal Mail who have recently been voted the most eco-friendly delivery company. The company has reduced carbon emissions by 29% since 2005 and has invested in a 296 strong fleet of electric vehicles!
Eco Concsious Workplace
Sustainable Energy Source. Our power in the workspace comes from sustainable sources: wind, solar and hydro.
Reduce. I try to only buy what I need to reduce any wasted products. Buying in small quantities means that if there is a brand change for example, it is easier to use up what is on hand instead of discarding it.
Reuse. Any packaging that comes with supplies is reused in the office. Small ziplock bags from chains are used to store finished items, cardboard boxes are reused sometimes for shipping and any p
Recycle. All materials within the workspaces are recycled where possible.
Compost. All food waste in the workspace is composted and used on our garden where we grow our own food.
Containers. We use glass reusable containers to store food and supplies rather than plastic alternatives.
Online Presence. We choose to have an online presence rather than a shop to minimise our footprint. I try to focus mainly on online marketing to reduce my footprint.
Plants. Our workspace contains lots of plants to improve the quality of the air that we breathe.
Reusable Water Bottle & Tea Cup. I drink a lot of water & a lot of tea! We choose to use metal reusable water bottles with cooler cases. Our travel mugs are glass and our teabags are compostable.
Community Involvement.. As well as collecting rubbish when we go picking for sea glass, we take part in beach cleans. I am also researching an environmental charity to support.
Toilet Paper! Even our toilet paper is recycled, used plastic free packaging and the company donates 50% of profits back to charitable organisations.
So, that is a little about how I operate on an environmentally conscious way as a business. What have I missed and what charity can I support? I would love to hear your thoughts.
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