I am aware of the impact that making jewelry can have on the environment.
That is why I focus on more sustainable solutions.
In that sense, different aspects must be taken into account, such as
- Ethics and responsibility in the extraction of metals and stones
- Purchase of materials
- Recycling and reuse
- Responsible consumption
- Repair of parts
ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF METALS AND STONES
Ethics must start from the mine and offer reasonable conditions from an economic and health point of view to workers and nearby populations.
Another unavoidable point is the responsibility when choosing the extraction method. For example, in open pit mining, explosives are used to remove the surface of the earth, which is even more polluting because it generates dust that pollutes the air. Furthermore, the entire ecosystem is destroyed by felling trees. It is even more polluting than traditional mining.
Along with all this, it is necessary to use a large amount of water and a process that includes the use of toxic chemicals (such as cyanide, sulfuric acid or mercury) to separate the metals from the stone. Eventually, these chemicals reach the water and filter into the soil.
USE OF MATERIALS
When purchasing materials, it is not always possible to know 100% of their origin. It is very common when buying precious materials such as gold and silver or platinum, as well as precious stones.
It is up to the goldsmith or craftsman to try to know as much as possible the origin of the materials and to choose reuse and recycling.
RECYCLING AND REUSE
The more options there are for recycling and the less processing for recycling, the greater the contribution to preserving the environment.
In the case of gold, silver and other metals, it is possible to melt them to make new pieces.
Gems can also be recycled.
In the case of other materials such as steel, it is possible to recycle it without melting it, which is even less polluting.
It is also possible to repair the parts in workshops. Many companies or artisans offer this option.
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION
In this sector there is also a tendency towards consumerism which can be avoided or stopped.
We can acquire beautiful pieces and when we no longer want to use them, give them away or transform them into others through the aforementioned recycling.
REPAIR
If the parts are damaged, in 90% of cases it is possible to repair them.
At Numa Accessories, we follow all these instructions to offer you more sustainable products: I do not use precious metals, so the environmental impact is minimal. I will write a new article about this.
I can also repair 90% of the parts in my workshop. You can request more information by email at info.accessoriesnuma@gmail.com
In short, it is possible to reduce environmental impact and sustainability by being responsible from the mine until the finished product reaches the stores.
