There’s heaps of stuff we can do to make greener choices and ceramics is no different.
Clay is a natural material, once fired it can last a lifetime. When pottery does become waste it is arguably far better for the environment than many materials, such as plastic. However, it’s important to consider all aspects of the making process - sourcing materials, firing pottery and shipping too.
Here’s what I’m doing, where I can improve and how you can help too.
What I’m doing
My kiln is a new, energy efficient model. It runs on electricity and all my electric is from renewable sources
Cardboard boxes, paper bags and gift wrap tissue are used for packaging. They are made from 100% recycled material. *75% recycled cardboard is occasionally used if the item uses less material overall
Bubble wrap is all reused from what I already have to hand
My studio is mostly built from waste materials. All the interior and exterior wood is off-cuts and the window and door were heading for a skip
Where possible wooden boxes are used for the pottery painting kits, they are cleaned and reused
How I can improve
I’m trying to source clay and materials from UK manufacturers and processers to avoid excess transport
I have asked my suppliers for their sustainability policies and I will keep trying to make better choices
Our pottery painting business only sells items we believe will be cherished or used for years by proud family members.
How you can help
In the words of William Morris ‘ have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful’. Cherish ceramics and keep them for as long as you can.
Take broken ceramics to a local recycling centre. Place in the ‘hardcore and rubble’ section where it should be crushed and used for building projects