I'm excited about the upcoming "green living" expo EPIC this weekend. I've attended it in the past but this is the first time I will be exhibiting and selling there.
Now - you mat be wondering why is my jewelry considered in the "green" category? Mostly because I use as much vintage and reclaimed material as possible in my designs. By using what has already been produced years ago, my jewelry has a smaller "footprint" than purchasing something brand new. It hasn't taken any new energy to smelt the metal, no stones or metal have been mined from the earth. I love the look of natural stones (sea jasper, quartz, etc) but I will not use them in my designs because I have no idea how they have been quarried from the earth. Many semi-precious stones are mined in poorer regions such as Africa and South America and you have no idea how the workers are treated never mind the environmental impact.
And, generally speaking, I'm committed to eco-friendly practices and packaging. All jewelry items come packaged in recycled tissue and a cute gift bag. I had quite a dilemma about packaging acually. I was concerned that the little gift bags I was buying were probably made in China (sweatshop labour/shipping long distances) but I was adamant that I would not ever buy any plastic or cellophane packaging. Then someone pointed out that people will tend to save those little bags and re-use them instead of throwing them out. At least they won't end up in a land fill, so I decided to go with them.
I'm just starting to research further into ethical mining practices and have found this promising organization, and this great web site - both on ethical mining practices. I have yet to find any information on purchasing ethically quarried stones though.
Epic runs from Friday May 8 (1pm - 8pm) until Sunday May 10 (mother's day!). There will be fashion shows put on by Fashion High, and lots of inspiring green products to check out. Bring your Mom down and make a day of it!
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