sustainability

When I launched Susannah Brookes Sustainable Jewellery Design, I was keen to ensure that I made environmentally and ethically sound choices in all parts of my business – not just in the materials I use to craft the pieces, but also in the methods I use and in my broader decisions about what I do.

ethical considerations

I have committed to using 100% recycled silver rather than silver that is newly mined.  This means there is a significant reduction, for example, in the carbon emissions and water usage associated with the metal I am using.  I am currently exploring the best ways to source stones which have traceable supply chains and are fairly traded.

waste-less

It’s important that your jewellery is well protected as it travels to you, and this part of the process has probably been the most challenging to ensure properly eco-friendly choices are made. I use recycled and recyclable postal boxes with plastic and acid-free tape and sometimes recyclable tissue. But the stars of the show are the hemp wraps and bamboo silk ribbon I use to swaddle the jewellery. Hemp and bamboo are two of the most sustainable materials on earth – and are both biodegradable – so you could even put them in the compost bin if you can bear to throw them away!

community contribution

As well as using environmentally-kind materials, I am also trying to address some wider sustainable development goals in my business. For me this means being ethically responsible about things like water usage, single-use plastic and energy consumption. It also means making decisions that champion other small businesses, contribute to the local community, and support charitable enterprise.  I am always interested in exploring other ways of promoting these values. For example, all the pieces in the Solitude Collection will arrive gift-wrapped in beautiful sari silk ribbon which has been produced using waste fabric left over from sari manufacturing, and supplied by Yarn Yarn, a small company which works to support women in isolated communities of northern India.

I’m committing to donating 10% of the future profits from my business to a local and sustainable charity, which I am currently exploring. Let me know if you have a great recommendation!

the mindful maker

I am proud to be part of the Mindful Maker Directory, curated by Ford and Guy (check out their gorgeous handmade sustainable and ethical clothing range). Together we celebrate the many wonderful small businesses that are really serious about reducing their impact on the environment. We encourage you to start with one of those, rather than shopping with larger companies with hidden supply chains.