Naomi knows: Eco friendly jewelry practicesReduce, reuse — and respect the environment
by Naomi Fujimoto
Published: July 8, 2011 Here we are again. Thanks for asking about techniques, design, and other jewelry-related topics! Keep sending your questions to me at nfujimoto AT beadstylemag DOT com. Thanks!
This month's question comes from Facebook fan Lisa Maria Halperin:
"I am trying to decrease my carbon footprint; do you have any ideas as a jewelry designer?"
Hi Lisa! Whether it's in designing, deconstructing, or disposing, there are lots of earth-friendly things you can do.
|
1. Use recycled materials.
Repurpose! Be kind to the environment by recycling your vintage or preloved jewelry. Restring old necklaces and turn brooches into focal pieces.
Be mindful when acquiring raw materials for your jewelry designs, and consider buying supplies from vendors who upcycle. Some of our favorites:
• At Glass Garden Beads, Cathy Collison gives bottle caps, glass bottles, aluminum cans, and serving trays a second life. In the photo are different parts of a Coke bottle that she cut into a toggle bar and pendants. The ring is actually the mouth of the bottle!
• Rockhound Gary Wilson collects stones and antiques wherever he goes. Among his talents: turning license plates and billiard balls into pendants.
• At BeadforLife, Ugandan women make recycled paper into hand-rolled beads. The sales of these beads helps the women pay for food, medicine, and school fees.
|
2. Think before you throw something away.
• Save metal bits and filings from your projects. To learn how to pocket extra cash while also saving the planet, check out Rio Grande's PDF about refining scrap metals.
• If you're in San Francisco, you can also donate craft and office supplies to SCRAP (Scrounger’s Center for Reusable Art Parts), a nonprofit that makes supplies available to teachers, parents, artists, and organizations. |
3. Avoid harsh chemicals in your projects.
One of my favorite proverbs: "Never cut with a knife what you can cut with a spoon." Translation: If there's a kinder, gentler way to get something done, try that first.
• If you work with metals, check out Greener Chemicals for Your Studio, a free chart by our friends at Art Jewelry. It lists eco-friendly flux, pickle, and cleaning alternatives — some of which are biodegradable or require only water for cleanup.
• You can also get a copy of the May 2009 issue of Art Jewelry. The issue has tips on reclaiming scrap, how to run an environentally responsible business, and how to make your studio more eco friendly.
|
For another resource, check out Christine Dhein's Green Jewelry Archives. Christine is a jewelry designer, author, and eco-educator who writes about everything from reducing your use of chemicals to how to package and ship jewelry.
|
|