Table of Contents ยป Chapter 10: Environmental Impacts

Chapter 10: Environmental Impacts

What are the factors which contribute to the environmental impacts of ceramic processes? This chapter explores the different facets of working with clay in ceramic studios. It also attempts to contextualize energy and resource usage in relation to activities of daily life and big-picture environmental issues.

Sustainable Practices in University Ceramic Programs

Ceramicartsnetwork.org – Sustainability in the Ceramic-Studio – There is growing recognition of the need to align our studio practice with an awareness of environmental sustainability. Individuals and groups are already engaging with green issues in studio ceramics and are devising, enacting, and posting solutions. The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Green Task Force has been working for the past two years towards oversight of practical stewardship at the annual conference and to assist in the overall exchange of ideas and information that minimize the global impact of our field. The discussion must involve the entire community, including the perspectives of individuals, educators, students, and manufacturers. This article takes a look at three examples of sustainable ceramic practice in university ceramic programs.

NCECA Green Task Force

Check out the activities of the NCECA Green Task Force if you would like to get involved in environmental initiatives within the ceramics field.

Craft In America Center: Eco Responsible Ceramic Studios with Julia Galloway, Wendy Gers, Steven Portigal, Joan Takayama-Ogawa and Bryan Vansell.

Craft In America Talks – Eco-Responsible Ceramic Studios

Craft In America Artist Studio EcoGuide

Artist Studio EcoGuide – The first of its kind, the Artist Studio EcoGuide is a crowdsourced document that enlists the involvement of the craft community and artists overall to be mindful and effective in all actions that impact the natural world. Thank you, Craft in America for this important resource!

Clay Matters

Clay Matters – Australia – A group of Australian ceramicists concerned about the environmental impact of ceramic activities. 

Potters Save the World

In ‘Potters Save the World: Learn to Make Sustainable Ceramics and Help Protect the Earth‘ by Yuliya Makliuk you’ll learn: the carbon footprint of studio ceramics and how to reduce it, sustainable tips for firing, materials, and waste, eco-friendly ways to sell, package, and ship ceramics, personal stories and advice from expert eco-potters. This book is built on the foundation of extensive carbon footprint research and offers invaluable insights into greening your ceramics practice. But it’s not just about numbers and data โ€“ it’s a treasury of wisdom and case studies from eco-friendly ceramicists worldwide.

https://www.amazon.com/Potters-Save-World-sustainable-ceramics/dp/B0CM9X5SWH

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199336185-potters-save-the-world