Our site has plenty of recycled jewellery items to choose from (in both silver and gold). There is enough of both metals already mined on earth, to last for eternity. This promise ring is made in Birmingham, from recycled silver.
‘New’ silver and gold requires more mining, and this causes great harm to the planet. Mining in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo can scar the land, pollute the water and harm wildlife. Choosing smartphones made with recycled materials also helps.
Local donkeys often work in gold mines. Working animal charity SPANA has been helping over 1000 donkeys at a refugee camp, due to waterlogged ground that has left them in deep filthy water. This is due to floods, often caused by mining, which disrupts natural drainage systems.
Jewellers now have to carry Kimberley certificates, to show that they don’t sell ‘blood diamonds’ (which used profits to fund civil wars). But all mining can create deforestation, water pollution from toxic chemicals and habitat loss.
Mining uses toxic chemicals like mercury and even cyanide. Run-off from mines can destroy aquatic life, and lead to loss of vegetation and biodiversity loss.
Some mining can even displace communities from their land, and illegal mining is linked to forced labour and even sexual exploitation. And of course, the toxic chemicals and other mining hazards harm both miners and nearby communities.
So next time you want a pretty pair of earrings or are giving jewellery as a gift, always choose recycled metals. The planet and all the earth’s creatures will thank you!
