Aug
The birth of Earth Day dates back to 1970, after a devastating oil spill in 1969 brought environmental issues into the spotlight. This pivotal event led to the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency and saw 20 million Americans rallying for the planet. Today, Earth Day is a global phenomenon, mobilizing over a billion people every year to protect our environment.
Each year, Earth Day follows a specific theme. This year’s theme, “Planet v Plastics,” highlights the urgent necessity to curb plastic production. With 380 million tonnes produced annually and only 9% recycled, achieving a 60% reduction by 2040 is critical.
In light of recent findings showing unprecedented emission levels and alarming temperature increases, we’re all encouraged to make more sustainable choices. How we spend our money and the brands we support can significantly impact the environment.
Opting for sustainable jewelry is an excellent step forward, as the traditional jewelry industry can be fraught with unethical and environmentally damaging practices if done incorrectly.
Eco-friendly jewelry brands typically utilize recycled metals and conflict-free gemstones, supporting ethical production processes and empowering local communities.
This Earth Day, consider choosing sustainable jewelry to help protect our planet. After all, your jewelry should make both you and the planet feel a little better!
To celebrate Earth Day and encourage mindful consumption, we’ve curated a list of 5 jewelry brands dedicated to sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly practices.
1. Kimaï
Kimaï stands out for its transparent and sustainable approach to jewelry making.
Having grown up in the diamond industry, Kimaï’s founders recognized the lack of transparency within the sector. They address these issues by exclusively using 18k recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds.
Their mission is clear: to provide high-quality, ethically sourced jewelry with complete traceability. Prices range from around $275 to over $4,000, embodying environmentally-conscious luxury.
2. WWAKE
Brooklyn-based WWAKE believes that jewelry represents a deep connection to the earth and its people. Their mission revolves around careful sourcing, impeccable craftsmanship, and a continuous learning process.
With a focus on handmade and made-to-order pieces, WWAKE uses recycled gold, silver, diamonds, and fair trade practices, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.
In addition, WWAKE works towards achieving zero waste and sources heritage gemstones and antique diamonds to reduce reliance on new mining.
Their products range in price from around $25 to $23,900.
3. Artful Bracelets
Artful Bracelets transcends being just a jewelry brand by fostering a profound connection to both the ocean and the Earth, all while adhering to sustainable and ethical practices. Each piece of sustainable jewelry is lovingly handcrafted using environmentally-friendly materials and ethically sourced sand and earth elements, often with the involvement of their customers.
Artful Bracelets is deeply committed to the planet, donating a portion of every sale to various charitable organizations, amounting to over $250,000 in contributions.
One of their key partners is Mission Blue, a nonprofit organization focused on protecting and preserving our oceans. Their Earth Day Black Cord Bracelet not only promotes sustainable fashion but also aids environmental conservation.
The sale price is $12 to support Mission Blue.
By making purchases from their Touch the World and 4ocean collections, you can contribute to various causes. Designs from the Artfulbracelets x 4ocean collection can help remove up to 10 pounds of plastic from our oceans.
Artful Bracelets’s offerings range from approximately $35 to $1,470, with home accents and accessories generally priced lower.
4. Aurate
Aurate designs exquisite, conscious jewelry without the high markups.
Based in NYC, Aurate’s seventh-generation craftsmen produce fine gold jewelry and engagement pieces crafted exclusively from 100% recycled gold. The designer draws inspiration from iconic NYC landmarks and architecture to create a sustainable collection that embodies a modern aesthetic for the contemporary woman.
To ensure quality and environmental responsibility, their recycled gold undergoes a refining process to remove impurities. Additionally, Aurate is committed to being carbon neutral. Prices range from about $35 to $18,000.
5. Catori Life
Focusing on ethically-made jewelry inspired by nature and crafted with care, Catori Life is a woman-owned brand dedicated to fair wages and ethical sourcing. All their collections are crafted in the USA using recycled gold and prioritize mindfully made pieces.
Beyond using recycled materials, each purchase from Catori Life supports grassroots organizations such as The Eden Project, which plants 10 trees for every purchase. Their prices range from about $48 to $2,200.
Which sustainable jewelry brand are you adding to your list of favorites?
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