Clay
Clay is an amazing material, millions of years old and no matter how dry or waterlogged it becomes, it’s infinitely recyclable. We actively encourage participants to recycle their efforts at the end of a session rather than have them fired. Firing a pot in a kiln uses a lot of energy which inevitably has a detrimental effect on the environment. Reusing clay also helps cut down costs while supporting sustainability.
Water
Water is a valuable resource. We allocate a half-bucket per potter’s wheel for each class, which students use throughout. To minimize waste, we encourage reusing water that’s already been used, extending its lifecycle before it is discarded. At the end of each class, students are responsible for cleaning their tools and the wheel with the very same water they’ve used while working. We also recycle muddy water by pouring it into settling tanks and using it to water our hedges and garden borders.
Packaging
We prioritize eco-friendly packaging by opting for materials like recycled cardboard, paper and biodegradable peanuts. We aim to use the minimum amount of packaging required to safely protect customer’ artwork, reducing waste and lessening the environmental footprint of shipping. Additionally, we’re fortunate to collaborate with local businesses who generously provide us with used bubble wrap for reuse, further reducing our packaging waste.
Kilns
Our studio uses energy-efficient electric kilns, specifically a Nabertherm Top Loader Kiln, which is designed with refractory insulation to reach high temperatures with minimal energy use. We wait until we have a full kiln load before firing. Smaller items are used to fill available spaces around larger pieces, further optimizing energy use. We fire earthenware at lower temperatures to conserve energy.
Heating
Our kilns are fired overnight, providing residual warmth that serves as background heating throughout the day.
Glazing
We choose lead-free alternatives for glazing, ensuring the safety of our products while reducing potential contamination.
Walking to work
3/4 of our team are fortunate to live in walking distance of the Pottery. Unless we are out and about in the wider community, we limit our use of motor vehicles by walking to work through beautiful countryside, minimizing our carbon footprint.
Cleaning
We use plant-based, sustainable products such as Ecover. These choices not only promote health and safety but also minimize our ecological footprint.