Wonky star by WildBird Studio made from off cuts of glass

Embracing Sustainability at WildBird Studio

Hello my lovelies,

In this blog post I want to share with you my commitment to sustainability here at WildBird Studio.

I care deeply about the environment and I'm very aware of what my impact is on the world. So from sourcing materials to the final touches, I'm committed to creating beautiful but eco-friendly products for you.

The Hidden Truth About Glass and Sustainable Practices

Did you know that the specific sand needed for making virgin glass is becoming scarce? I was shocked and upset to learn this fact. It is what really spurred me on to start activly using my off cuts and to start designing products from my waste material.

I create products like my Ring Dishes, Wonky StarsStuds and Bottle Earrings with offcuts and recycled glass, helping to conserve precious resources and reduce my environmental footprint. 

Ring Dish by WildBird Studio made with recycled glass and offcuts of glass



Sourcing Locally and Ethically

Local sourcing is key to my sustainable approach. I source all materials as close to home as possible, focusing on Ireland, the UK, and Europe. This supports local economies and reduces my carbon footprint from long-distance shipping. 

Every year I take part in Green Friday. Our Irish alternative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Every year I pick a charity and instead of giving a discount I donate the discount equivalent to that Charity.

Handcrafted with Care

Everything at WildBird Studio is handmade, embracing the idea of "slow" craftsmanship. Each piece is carefully crafted in small batches, ensuring quality and minimising waste. This slow and thoughtful process results in unique pieces and reduces overproduction. As a proud participant in the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland's "Made Local" campaign, I prioritize buying locally and ethically wherever possible. This not only supports other small businesses and artisans in our community but also helps reduce the carbon emissions associated with long-distance shipping.

Alisons hands soldering a lampshade in WildBird Studio


Eco-Friendly Packaging and Reuse

My packaging is designed to be eco-friendly. I use kraft presentation boxes, cornstarch cellophane, and wood wool instead of plastic bubble wrap. Even my packaging tapes, including the "fragile" tape, are paper-based, making them easily recyclable. If you receive bubble wrap in your order, it's because I’m reusing materials from deliveries I've received. Additionally, all my swing tags and complimentary slips are made from 100% recycled paper. I Take part in Plastic Free July every year although by now its so much of a habit its really Plastic free year!

Commitment to Quality and Repair

I believe in the longevity of my products, which is why I offer repair services for all my pieces. This ensures that your favourite WildBird creations can last a lifetime, promoting sustainability and the importance of crafts people.

Carbon Offsetting and Certified Suppliers

I've partnered with CarbonClick to offer a carbon offset option at checkout, allowing you to mitigate the environmental impact of your purchase. I also partner with ethical suppliers, like Warm Glass, a B Corp certified company known for high environmental and social standards.

Thank you for being part of WildBird Studio's journey toward a more sustainable and creative future. Together, we can make the world a little brighter and a lot greener, one handcrafted piece at a time.

Lime Green recycled stained glass studs from WildBird Studio

 

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