Eco-Friendly Focus
I believe that we are all stewards of the earth and have a duty to take care of our environment and keep it safe and livable for generations to come. Because of this, I have made it my mission to create a more eco-friendly jewelry business.
In 2020 I started updating my processes and materials to be more eco-conscious. I am working on alternatives that reduce the use of fossil fuels, don’t require harmful substances and will not create waste that is harmful to the environment.
As I continue on this journey and find more ways to be eco-friendly I will update this list.
Jewelry
I am in the process of redefining my methods to reduce the use of fossil fuels and harmful substances. I am also moving to using recycled silver as much as possible in my new designs.
Silver
Starting in early 2020 I switched to using only 100% recycled sterling and fine silver for all handmade components of my jewelry.
Soldering
The process of soldering – joining two pieces of metal with fire – not only requires fossil fuels for the torch but the metal cleaning process after soldering creates waste that must be disposed of by a hazmat facility. I am exploring new ways to create jewelry with little to no soldering, thus reducing or eliminating the need for fossil fuels and creating less hazardous waste.
Packaging
In late 2020 I introduced new packaging for my jewelry. This includes using materials that are all recycled and can be recycled again. Recycling and using recycled materials is so important for many reasons. It preserves our natural resources, reduces pollution and waste as well as creates and maintains new jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries.
Jewelry Boxes and Filler
My jewelry boxes and filler consist of 100% recycled materials and are made in the USA. The box board is on average 80% post consumer content. The paper wrap material is 100% recycled, Process Chlorine Free (PCF), and manufactured with renewable hydroelectric energy. All boxes are filled with a non-tarnishing recycled fiber insert that is also recyclable. I have intentionally not branded my boxes so that they can be reused by you for storage or future gifting.
Jewelry Cards and Business Cards
The jewelry and business cards use FSC Certified cardstock that is heavy metal and chlorine free, contains 100% recycled content, is recyclable, biodegradable, acid and lignin free, and is made with 100% hydro-powered technology in the USA.
Optional Gift Tags – Plantable Seeded Paper
My optional gift tags will sprout wildflowers when planted! They are hand made from 100% tree free cotton paper using 100% post industrial waste. The embedded North American Wildflower seed blend includes Snapdragon, Petunia, Beardtongue, Daisy, Thyme, Poppy, Foxglove, Catchfly, Maiden Pinks and Chamomile. To grow, plant flat under 1/4″ of soil, keep moist and allow four hours a day of direct sunlight with constant watering until established.
Paper Twine
The paper twine is handmade from tree free paper using 50% recycled content. It is hand dyed using natural vegetable dyes, and is 100% biodegradable and compostable.
Shipping
Along with the packaging materials I have also switched to recycled and recyclable products for my shipping. We shop online now more than ever and often don’t stop to think about all the resources being consumed for shipping materials. I am happy to do my small part to help change that as well as using Etsy’s shipping service that offsets the carbon foot print of the shipping process.
Boxes
My shipping boxes are made from 100% recycled (95% post-consumer) content, are curbside recyclable and naturally biodegradable.
Clear (cello) tape
The clear tape is 100% plant-derived, and naturally biodegradable.
Insert Note Cards
The note cards are printed with vegetable-based inks, made with recycled paper using 100% post consumer waste, and are 100% recyclable.
Labels
Shipping labels are constructed from 100% post-consumer content paper, feature a backing that is 100% recycled and curbside recyclable, and are made with recycle compatible adhesive.
Paper Fill
I am re-using the paper fill that is shipped in my online grocery orders. This is the ultimate way to recycle… RE-USE!
Shipping Carbon Offset
I am using Etsy’s shipping service for my business. Etsy offsets 100% of their carbon emissions from shipping. Learn more here: https://www.etsy.com/impact.