sustainability

I intentionally try to avoid the words "eco-friendly" and "sustainable" when describing the work that I make. It's nearly impossible to create art without leaving a footprint, and the terms "eco-friendly" and "sustainable" are heavily used in greenwashing campaigns. I prefer to think of myself as a "sustainability enthusiast", who makes careful decisions about the materials that I use and the footprint that I leave.

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The plastics I use are mostly traditionally unrecyclable, meaning there is no local way to recycle them, and shipping them off to be recycled is prohibitively expensive (and can also be wasteful in terms of energy consumption!).

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The metals I use in my jewelry are sourced from three different companies, all of which were chosen carefully based on their alignment with my values.

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While I do occasionally use a bio-resin, I use very little, and it is plant-based rather than petroleum. In addition, the company I use for this product is fully transparent in its materials sourcing, and is one that I would also consider a sustainability enthusiast.

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I make my own packaging by repurposing old wrapping paper, magazines, unused but expired medical plastics, gently used bubble mailers, and gently used shipping boxes.

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Hey Lola Art Co. donates to local and international conservation efforts. I also partake in and host regular clean-ups and education events, and have my studio open to the public 1 day a week for education and free creative reuse supplies.

I am certainly less than perfect in my efforts, but I'm so happy to have the opportunity to learn to be better every day. Check the blog to learn with me! ~

love, Jessica