While studio pottery is expensive, it’s a good alternative to mass produced household items. Our aim should be to produce something that serves us for long and has a less impact on the environment. Here are a few things that I’ve been trying to do:
- Reclaiming all your clay: Reuse all your trimmings, slips and broken pieces from green ware. Wedge well till it reaches a workable consistency.
- Producing big batches on order: While we like to continuously experiment on different types of pieces and glazes, be sure that everything adds a cost to the environment. The joy of studio pottery was always patience and not bulk production.
- Ensuring we fire what’s really worthy: we should ultimately put pieces that won’t crack or burst in the kiln. Maintaining quality from production to glazing.
- Collecting and reusing plastic or even paper of all packaging materials from family and friends: While I understand that packaging makes a lot of difference to the pieces, maybe write to your buyers why you’re packing the way you are and give them some credit to reuse it too!
- Avoid using lead, chromium oxide, nickel oxide and barium carbonate in your glazes. If you buy your glazes, make sure to ask your supplier if they’re ethically sourced.
- Avoid breathing in the dust or firing fumes.
- Ensuring the kiln is at full capacity. Use more shelves and pillars. Place the pieces adequately.
- Trying to produce pieces which speak of nature and environment.
- Having a vegetarian meal.