WHAT EXACTLY IS RECYCLED STERLING SILVER?
You hear me talking about sustainable jewellery all the time, so now let's talk about what recycled silver actually is and why it is the best option you can choose.
RECYCLED SILVER is silver that has been reclaimed from old or used products, such as jewellery, cutlery, electronic devices, and then re-melted and re-cast to create new products. The quality and durability of this metal does not change during the recycling process, which is perfect because you get the jewellery of the same quality even when choosing sustainably. Recycling silver is an environmentally friendly way to reduce the need for mining new silver, and it reduces the negative impact on the ecosystems.
In my works I only use RECYCLED STERLING SILVER (I buy mine at www.cooksongold.com), which is a type of silver alloy that is made up of 92.5% pure recycled silver and 7.5% other recycled metals, typically copper. The silver content gives the alloy its strength and durability, while the copper content improves its workability and resistance to tarnishing.
MINED SILVER
Only 20% of the world's silver is recycled, the rest is still mined. And why exactly is the mining of precious metals bad? For MULTIPLE reasons, let's see only a few.
Mining silver has negative impacts on the environment, both during the extraction process and as a result of the waste products produced. During the extraction process, large amounts of water and energy are required, and toxic chemicals are used, which contaminates water sources and harm local ecosystems.
Mining operations cause physical damage to the land, including deforestation and erosion. With that we are destroying precious ecosystems and natural resources.
Silver mining generates large quantities of waste rock and tailings, which can contain toxic elements such as cyanide and lead. If not properly managed, these waste products can contaminate water sources and harm local ecosystems.
Also, Silver mining contributes to air, land, water pollution, and the use of heavy machinery and explosives in the mining process cause noise pollution, which is disruptive to local communities and wildlife. Overall, silver mining has significant negative impact on the environment, and efforts should be made to minimize these impacts.
Our first step can be choosing sustainable companies, supporting makers and creators with the right values and also showing the big companies how sustainability is not only possible but a must for our future.
““The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.””
