It's easy to get caught up in a 'fashion and accessories' part of the business game and easily forgot that small businesses like myself aren't always like the big boys.
Here's five ways I work to help reduce any impact my small business and your amazing order makes on the world!
Sustainable Materials
The materials used are all recycled or recyclable. All the jewellery I make uses eco-silver. Eco-silver is a recycled silver, it is the same amazing quality and composition of any other sterling silver on the market but has been saved and refined to be used again. This not only saves any waste but also any further mining, which has significant environmental impacts. In addition to this I even melt down any off-cuts and scraps to make sure I'm not wasting anything. All the small gifts I make are also made using recycled metals too.
Eco-Packaging
I've worked hard to find recycled packaging that still makes sure your items arrive safely. All jewellery is shipped in a luxury Kraft jewellery box. The small gifts all come within a organza bag while isn't recyclable can be reused or repurposed. There are a few areas for improvement, I currently still use organza bags and bubble envelopes (although they are the type that can be pulled apart to recycle) and I'm always happy to try new things. So if you have an alternative I'd love to hear from you!
Bring On The Tools
Like most small businesses I work hard to make sure I reduce any wastage of any consumables through the making process. I've chosen my tooling so everything can be resharpened and tightened to avoid the need and additional expense of replacement. My biggest investment is a rolling mill, this means I can make the very best of any metal off cuts and even dust from the piercing.
Couriers - Hold the 'Eugh'
Whilst all couriers have their issues, I've chosen to stick with Royal Mail over the years. Royal Mail state "With our unique feet on the street network of over 90,000 posties, Royal Mail has the lowest reported carbon emissions per parcel of any major UK delivery company." I get a daily collection as part of their rounds instead of driving a daily 30 mile round trip to the delivery office myself and their deliveries are often completed as part of a route by their team of local post officers.
Partnerships and Suppliers
Working with other companies and suppliers is tricky but I make sure that I work with others that are committed to sustainability too. In most cases this has lead to amazing relationships with other local small businesses.
Do you have any suggestions on how to do better? I'd love to hear them!
Just email me on hello@bypricklypear.com
Meredith
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