Waste

There are a variety of waste materials created as a result of making jewellery and silverware. The following sections are divided into materials and resources that are at risk of being wasted in a typical jewellers studio. More broadly, however, you may wish to consider reducing your waste by committing to these goals:

1. Consume less, waste less.

2. Re-use recycled products.

3. Use recyclable or biodegradable products which are less likely to end up in a landfill.

4. Recycle whatever you can when you are done with it.

Metal Waste:

Precious metals can be recycled over and over. Historically, silversmiths and goldsmiths have reused their scrap metal, melting this down to create new objects.

However, it is not only metal filings that can be sent to a metal refiner to be liquidated and reclaimed. Accumulated bits of metal that may or may not be visible, such as metal dust in the fibres of textiles, is worth harnessing for reclamation as well. Adopting a committed reclamation system as part of your practice is efficient, economical and contributes to a more environmentally sound practice. To learn more on how to maximise metal reclamation in the studio, visit our library.

Sally Grant in the studio by James Robertson.

Natural Resource Conservation:

Water is intricately connected to all sources of energy, including electricity: if more water is consumed by industry and homes, less water is available to generate energy. As outlined in the Energy section of this resource, the use of energy and water in studio practice can be carefully managed to reduce excessive consumption. Some actions to reduce energy and water usage include:

• Turn water off when not in use (don’t let it run)

• Use a basin to wash your pieces rather than under running water

• Reduce your carbon footprint through replenishing methods such as tree planting or carbon offsets

• Rather than drive to and from work, consider biking, public transport, carsharing or walking

• Calculate your carbon footprint to see what aspects of your day-to-day life could be improved to reduce your environmental impact

Tools & Consumable Waste:

Studio practices often demand a range of tools and consumable products to create beautiful jewellery and silver. It is key to consider the purpose of the product—whether it is essential, the durability and the sustainability of the prospective purchase. Here are a few aspects to consider to create a more conscientious studio with efficient methods:

• Consider whether you need a tool/product/consumable at point of purchase—is it a long or short-term need? This will help avoid buying spontaneously and in excess, which may later create waste.

• Borrow items from a friend or through a tool library rather than buying new.

• Reuse or fix products you no longer want or find ways to creatively disassemble it to be used for other purposes.

• Purchase second hand where possible.

• If buying new, research and compare products, considering the suppliers social and enviornmental policies.