ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

At Honeybourne Pottery, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by minimizing energy use, conserving resources, and improving waste management. We continuously seek new ways to operate responsibly while delivering our services with care for the planet.

We actively recycle & reuse materials wherever possible & pride ourselves on transparency in our environmental efforts. If you have any suggestions or insights that could help us improve further, we’d love to hear from you!

OUR COMMITMENTS:

Eco-Friendly Materials

We are committed to using sustainable, non-toxic materials that are safe for both people and the planet:

  • Safe & Sustainable – We use non-toxic, food-safe clays and glazes.

  • Locally Sourced – Where possible, materials are sourced from local suppliers to reduce our carbon footprint.

  • Durable & Recyclable Tools – We invest in high-quality tools, many of which are recyclable. Our sponges, made from natural cellulose instead of plastic, are fully compostable.

  • Eco-Friendly Cleaning – We use biodegradable, plant-based cleaning products from brands like Home Things, Who Gives a Crap, and Ecover, eliminating harsh chemicals from our studio.

  • Sustainable Packaging – Our packaging is 100% plastic-free and fully recyclable.

Clay Reclamation

  • We recycle and reclaim all scrap clay in our studio, ensuring minimal waste and maximum reuse. Every leftover piece is reprocessed and given new life, transforming waste clay into fresh material for creating beautiful ceramic wares.

Energy Efficiency

  • Solar-Powered Kilns & Battery Storage - Our kilns run on solar energy with battery backup, significantly lowering our carbon footprint.

  • Optimized Firing Schedule - By introducing "make & take" sessions and a more conservative firing schedule, we’ve reduced overall kiln firings.

  • Renewable Energy - Our studio operates on a 100% renewable electricity tariff.

  • Smart Energy Use - We maximize natural lighting and ventilation to reduce electricity consumption, with gas use minimized through efficient electric radiators.

  • Sustainable Transport - Our electric vehicles further cut fossil fuel consumption for business travel and supply runs.

Waste Reduction

  • We integrate reusable materials into our creative processes and avoid single-use items in the studio.

  • Cardboard boxes and trays from local supermarkets are repurposed to package customer pots.

  • The plastic wrap from our clay deliveries is cleaned and recycled locally.

  • Any unavoidable waste is managed responsibly, with a strong focus on recycling and composting.

Water Conservation

  • Wastewater from our clay processes is filtered through a sink trap filtration system fitted to all our sinks, preventing clay particles from entering the drainage system.

  • We conserve water in numerous ways including harvesting rainwater and repurposing water collected from our dehumidifiers for cleaning tools and equipment, reducing the need for running taps.

  • We continuously explore new ways to further reduce water consumption and improve sustainability in our studio.

Supporting the Environment

We are proud to support organisations dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural world. Through these initiatives, we aim to play a small part in safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Charities we support include:

  • Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

  • The Wildlife Trust

  • Friends of the Earth

  • Heart of England

Sustainability is an ongoing journey & with the support of our team & customers, we continue striving to reduce our environmental impact. At Honeybourne Pottery, we believe that small changes can lead to big impacts. By choosing our studio, you’re supporting a business that values art, community, and the planet. Together, we can create a more sustainable future—one piece of pottery at a time.