Ah, sustainability—it's quite the buzzword these days, isn’t it? In my little corner of the world, I strive to embrace best practices in my work and make a positive impact on our beautiful planet.
As you might know (or maybe you’re just learning), I primarily work with wood and acrylic, so I’m keenly aware of my environmental footprint. Sustainability and caring for our planet are ongoing goals for my small independent business. While I may not have it all figured out just yet, I’m committed to evolving and improving with every step I take!
Materials:
I exclusively use FSC-certified wood sourced from European suppliers. Bamboo is another favorite of mine—it's incredibly sustainable due to its rapid growth and ability to regenerate after harvesting.
Now, let’s talk acrylic. While it’s not 100% eco-friendly and can be a challenge to recycle, its durability and lifespan make it a worthwhile choice. I’m all about minimizing waste, so any offcuts find new life as studs or smaller one-off pieces. My designs are crafted to last, steering clear of the fast fashion trap. I also incorporate some greencast acrylics, though options are limited.
When it comes to brass, I prefer it for its recyclability—it’s typically made from recycled materials and can be recycled again and again. My glitters? They’re biodegradable, made from cellulose, and completely plastic-free. Plus, all powders I use are 100% vegan-friendly, sourced from small independent businesses.
I utilize water-based paints, often repurposing what I find—whether it’s from my local craft shop or leftover from home projects. My resin is non-toxic and free from VOCs, fumes, and solvents, meeting safety standards for home use when ventilated properly.
I create my jewellery in small batches, minimizing waste while ensuring each piece transitions beautifully from season to season. Most limited-edition items feature recycled papers, leathers, and prints, so they’re as eco-conscious as they are stylish!
Packaging:
My commitment to sustainability extends to packaging, too. I source from eco-friendly suppliers that prioritize minimal waste, and some even have tree-planting programs that help replenish our forests with every order. No plastics here! I love to repurpose packaging materials from my suppliers.
The gift boxes I use (including the non-tarnish inserts) are recyclable, and I encourage you to reuse them to keep your jewellery safe and sound. My cards are printed on FSC-certified paper with eco-friendly inks, and any tissue paper and stickers are also FSC certified and printed with soy inks. Even my padded envelopes are FSC certified!
Studio:
As a small independent business, everything—from laser cutting to packing—is done right here in my Tipperary studio, ensuring a low carbon footprint.
I hope this insight helps you feel good about supporting my work and commitment to sustainability!
Tree Planting:
As of October 2024, I have signed up with Sprout, a tree planting service dedicated to reforestation and protecting our planet. By integrating this service into my site, I’m making it easy for you to shop consciously. So that means for every item you purchase - a tree is planted on your behalf. You can read more on that here