Tips for Sustainable Practices in the Pottery Studio

Sustainability in Ceramics

With each pound of clay extracted and every kiln firing, potters leave a mark on the planet that will impact future generations. However, there are so many things potters can do to minimise the strain on natural resources.

By embracing sustainable ceramic practices, like ethical sourcing of raw materials and reusing packaging, potters can do their part to reduce waste and help the environment just that little bit more.

We’ve decided to write an article that we hope will inspire artists and potters to pursue a more ethical approach. In this blog, we list some easy steps potters can take to reduce their environmental impact, even for the hobbyist.

 

Sourcing Eco-friendly Clay Materials

The journey towards sustainability begins with the very foundation of pottery – the clay. Sourcing sustainable clay materials is crucial. This means choosing suppliers who extract clay responsibly, and focus on minimising harm to the environment.

However, there are also responsible studio practices that should be put in place to reduce wastage. For example, unfired clay is easy to reclaim (although messy and time consuming). As long as the clay hasn’t been fired, it can be reused time and time again.

In our studio, any bone-dry plates or mugs which are two thin/thick, warped or could be classed as ‘seconds’, will not make it to the bisque fired stage. Instead, they are thrown in the reclaim bucket and recycled.

 

Energy Efficiency in Studio and Kilns

The heart of a pottery studio is its kiln, and the energy it consumes can be substantial. By opting for energy-efficient kilns and mindful studio practices, artists can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

At KLT Designs, we have a Nabertherm kiln which is always loaded efficiently. Ensuring we have enough small items to fill in the shelves around the larger items makes maximum use of the kiln space. It is also important to change kiln elements, when necessary, as the kWh usage drastically increases with age.

 

Responsible Water Usage and Disposal

Water is a vital resource in pottery, used in everything from mixing glazes to cleaning tools. Sustainable practices involve not just minimising water usage but also ensuring responsible disposal of water, especially when it contains clay residues or glaze materials.

Our studio doesn’t have running water and that’s a good thing. Not only does it protect our pipes from clay stoppages, but we use buckets of water to clean our hands and tools, and this water can be reused again and again. When the clay/glaze sludge settles to the bottom of the bucket, the fresh water can be skimmed off the top and reused. When the water inevitably starts to smell, we use it to water the flowers outside our studio.

 

Reducing Packaging Waste

The final step in the life cycle of a ceramic piece is often overlooked – packaging. Sustainable studios are turning to eco-friendly packaging solutions like Ranpak (instead of bubble wrap) and paper tape (instead of plastic coated), reducing reliance on single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials.

We are lucky to be surrounded by friendly local clients who save up their bubble wrap and pass it on to us to re-use. We like to package everything securely and that does often involve bubble wrap, but the bubble wrap we use for packaging is always handed down from clients, stockists or suppliers. At KLT Designs, we haven’t purchased a roll of bubble wrap in years, so we urge others to do the same if at all possible. 

 

Tips for Sustainable Ceramic Practices

• Reusing clay scraps: Instead of discarding off-cuts, we slake them down and reclaim them.
• Using energy-efficient electric kilns: Opt for kilns that consume less energy and are more efficient in their operation. At KLT Designs, we use a Nabertherm Top Loader Kiln. These Kilns come with refractory insulation and are capable of reaching top temperatures with minimum energy consumption. 
• Reusing Water: Potters can implement systems to capture, filter and reuse water in the studio, lessening the demand on freshwater sources. This can be as simple as using a water bucket, or any form of container.
• Eco-friendly packaging: It may be challenging to find packaging suitable for the safe storage of ceramics, but if possible, one should always opt for sustainable packaging. For example, we reuse cardboard boxes and bubble wrap discarded by other businesses.

 

Join the Movement towards a Sustainable Future

Sustainable ceramic practices means adopting a range of actions, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to responsible studio operations and packaging. As we continue to face global environmental challenges, the adoption of eco-friendly approaches in ceramics becomes not just desirable but necessary. See how many of these practices you can incorporate into your studio and join the movement towards a more sustainable future in ceramic arts.