Green October 20
Going Green has been a big movement, both at large and within the jewelry industry. I see a lot of good in it, working together to save our planet. I really hadn’t thought about it a whole lot as far as my jewelry business goes, though, because being green has been part of my jewelry work from the beginning.
I recycle and reuse a good bit more than I’d realized. I fanatically recycle sterling wire — every bit that doesn’t end up getting shipped out as a piece of jewelry gets sent back to a refinery to be made into more sterling goodies. The same with the 14K gold-filled wire that I used to use a lot and now use occasionally. I also recycle paper, cardboard, plastics, and even any soda cans I have when I’m working. I reuse packing peanuts, and even bubble wrap when I can. I use biodegradable chemicals for cleaning jewelry, including plain soap and biodegradable tarnish remover. I’ve even used old jewelry to create new parts for jewelry or new pieces entirely, and hope to do more of it because it’s fun. I even use jewelry boxes where the paperboard is made from 100% recycled materials, with 75% of that being post-consumer recycled materials. With just the paper, cardboard, plastics and metal recycling, I’ve reduced my trash level of a decade ago by two thirds or more. Wow!
The little bits and pieces of going green with a business can really add up.