Positive change for the planet & the people on it
At Jen Cunningham, I’m really passionate about becoming an ethical jeweller. I’m continually making changes in my business to be more sustainable and actively contribute to a better working environment for miners, as well as giving back to the wonderful landscapes that inspire me.
I’m a regular at the Ethical Making Symposium too, so when I was asked to speak about my ethical making journey in 2018, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss! Make yourself a big mug of tea and have a read about it here.
Fair Luxury Pledge
In January 2021, I was one of the first 50 businesses to take the Fair Luxury Pledge:
I pledge to plant 1 tree for every order over £100 in 2021 as a commitment to helping the environment by rewilding.
If clients are ordering a ring for a partnership, wedding or engagement, I’ll plant one for each person in the relationship.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? Here’s to lots of trees!
When you choose Jen Cunningham, you choose to make a difference
Metal sourcing
Recycled - I source mostly recycled precious metals for the pieces you see on my website and as standard for all commissioned jewellery.
Fairtrade - I’m part of the Fairtrade Goldsmiths scheme, which means I can buy Fairtrade metal, you can find me here.
From the Fairtrade website -“Buying Fairtrade Gold jewellery means you are supporting small-scale miners to receive a fair deal for their hard work, as well as protecting the environment and making life better for themselves and their communities. All gold is sourced from mine sites which meet the Fairtrade Gold Standard; a globally recognised marker of best practice.”
Single Mine Origin - This means the gold is traceable back to the exact mine. You can find out more here.
From the SMO website - “SMO certification and stamping provides an auditable chain of custody for every gram of gold and peace of mind that this metal has been produced within strict parameters of corporate, social and environmental responsibility.”
Packaging
Boxes - I’m currently sourcing new boxes. My current boxes are made in the UK, They’re made from recycled card wrapped with FSC-certified paper and are recyclable. The foam/wadding inserts are not recyclable.
Stickers - Printed with water based inks, on recycled uncoated stock, biodegradable and compostable.
Tissue - Printed with soy-based inks on FSC-certified paper, 100% Compostable, Recyclable, and made from recycled materials.
Care card - Printed on recycled uncoated paper; recyclable.
Business cards - Printed on recycled and uncoated paper; recyclable.
Polishing cloths - Paper outer recyclable in your paper waste and fabric can be washed and recycled with textiles.
Outer packaging - I am using up a stock of bubble wrap jiffy bags. I also recycle those I get from suppliers as well as using corrugated paper bags. I use paper tape on all my parcels.
Renewable Energy
In my home and studio.
My current energy provider is Octopus energy. If you’d like to use them too, use this link to sign up; you’ll get £50 off and so will I!
Environmental Impact
I pledged in 2021 to plant 1 tree for every order over £100. I also pledged to plant one tree for every person in your relationship if you’re buying an engagement, partnership or wedding ring, even if you’re only buying one ring! You can see how my forest is growing here.
Carbon Footprint
I would like to make steps to offset the carbon footprint of the business and will be doing more research into this in 2022.
