Pledge to the Planet

Hi!

By shopping from my small business, you're already doing a really cool thing by making the choice to support an independent and ethical female-owned brand. It's a small win for indie businesses over the unsustainable fast fashion world, so thank you!! 

I predominantly work with polymer clay, a PVC-based product. Because of this, it's important to me to use it responsibly and to implement other sustainable practises in my business in order to minimise my impact on the planet. Here are some ways in which I strive to uphold eco-conscious practises within my business and my pledge to run The Clay Drop in the most sustainable way that I can.

Packaging

• My postal boxes are made from recycled materials and are reusable and recyclable. They have an eco score of 4 out of 5.
• I use brown paper tape to secure boxes shut - never plastic tape here!
• My packaging is single-use plastic free. 
• Stickers are packaged in biodegradable and 100% recyclable glassine envelopes.
• I use shredded tissue paper to protect the contents of the package (if I ever use bubble wrap it's almost always reused from orders I've received).
• I use acid-free tissue paper which can be reused in any way you choose! Stash it away and it'll be perfect for wrapping little prezzies later on.
• Each earring post is protected with a packing chip that I have reused from the packaging in my own purchases. 
• My thank you/care guide slips double up as free pieces of artwork designed by either myself or independent artists, encouraging my consumers to keep and display them rather than throw them away.
• All packaging is sourced within the UK from reputable suppliers.

Manufacturing Processes

I also take steps to ensure my manufacturing processes are as sustainable as possible. The earrings in my collections are carefully and lovingly made to hopefully last you for many years. 

• I cure larger batches at once rather than little and often to conserve electricity.
• No clay ever goes to waste and I always keep offcuts and scraps aside in tubs to be reused later on.
• All materials are sourced within the UK from small businesses where possible.

Some polymer clay brands may not be considered vegan as they may contain small traces of animal derived ingredients. Do get in contact if you would like to know exactly which brands of polymer clay I am using so you can make your own informed decision before buying. <3

Sustainability is at the forefront of my mind and I'm always open to discussion, so feel free to have a chat with me if you have any suggestions!

Jess x