Environmental issues
My actions are to minimise my carbon footprint and to maximise my use of recycled materialsI prefer to spend my days with jewellery making tools in my hands rather than tapping at a keyboard and peering at a screen. I don't have a mobile phone or fax machine.
My soldering torch runs off LPG, and the only power operated tool in my workshop is the pendant drill.
All electricity generated in the South Island of NZ, where I live, is from hydro and wind sources.
Where practicable, I purchase from local sources. In particular, my Pounamu (NZ nephrite jade) and NZ gemstones are cut from old collection material.
My sterling silver and gold comes from the NZ metal merchant who mostly refines scrap, broken jewellery, photographic waste, old coins etc. The copper that I use is recycled telephone line, water pipe and water cylinder off-cuts.
I purchase all of my Boulder Opals directly from the individual miners at the tiny Australian outback settlement of Yowah.