Circular Economy Coalition reposted this
Summer Series: #MyLocalCircularLife #UrbanMining #LocalProduction #GiveHandmade In my downtime, I am a ‘maker’ and have been exploring various media for over 30 years. I do not wear a lot of jewellery, aside from my wedding band, I only wear my earrings, and if you look at any webinars, photos of me, or meet me on zoom, you will note, they are always the same ones 😉 The pieces I make are one-of-a-kind, and are gifts for the most part. I prefer to give #handmade or #homegrown. My grandfather was a blacksmith in Australia, and I think working with metal is in my blood - his old workshop is in the Bowraville Museum where he also made the gates. In the 1990s Mitsubishi developed precious metal clay (PMC) this material has transformed the jewelry-making industry, allowing artists to create intricate and unique designs. But the significance of PMC extends beyond its creative utility—it also plays a pivotal role in the broader narrative of precious metal reclamation and the recovery of regional resources. PMC was developed by the Mitsubishi Materials - Advanced Products Company. It consists of finely ground precious metals mixed with a non-toxic organic binder and water. When heated to high temperatures, the binder burns away, leaving behind a solid metal object that is 99.9% pure. One of the most compelling aspects of PMC is its potential for incorporating reclaimed metals. The metals used often come from recycled sources, including electronic waste and industrial byproducts. The concept of urban mining—extracting valuable metals from electronic waste, photography material, catalytic converters, and other non-traditional sources—has become increasingly relevant. Urban mining not only mitigates the environmental damage caused by traditional mining practices but also emphasises local economies and reduces carbon footprints associated with global shipping. In regions rich in technological waste, urban mining initiatives can transform local economies. This not only provides a sustainable source of precious metals but also creates local jobs and reduces waste. While the benefits of using and reclaiming metals locally are clear, there are challenges. The process of extracting metals from #ElectronicWaste efficiently and safely requires technological investment and regulatory oversight. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and collaboration to improve reclamation techniques and expand the market. Regulatory bodies can also play a role by supporting recycling initiatives and sustainable practices with incentives and policies. As the demand for sustainable products continues to grow, the role of reclamation of #Regional sources of precious metals will only become more vital. Do you give handmade, or have a hobby or creative outlet? If so, have you woven circularity into the process? I would love to hear about it! Read the rest of this series here: #MyLocalCircularLife