This blog will address some of the environmental issues associated with ceramic glazing and suggest simple, everyday practises that will help reduce some of the problems associated with glazing.
It is well known that glazed ceramics are quite durable because they:
- Survive extreme changes in temperature, and, in most cases, are less fragile than glass.
- Are not disposable like most plastics. You wouldn’t throw a ceramic cup away after one use.
- Are not prone to water damage, scratches and cuts like wood and bamboo plates.
So, with all this durability and strength you might be inclined to conclude that ceramics have an element of sustainability. And they do. But the practise of producing ceramics can often be a bit contentious when it comes to being environmentally friendly.
As a potter/ceramicist, you will also be aware that glaze practice can leave a lot to be desired when it comes to eco-friendliness. But it needn’t be.
Did you know that many large pottery companies are aiming to make glazed pottery greener? One such company is Denby in the UK. Denby have developed a Kiln Green Range. This range:
- Uses non-toxic glazes.
- Recycles glazes.
- Sends zero process waste to landfill.
So, let’s be more like Denby in our studio practice and make glazing as eco-friendly as possible. Here are some suggestions:
- Collect all glaze scrapings together. This includes dry glaze and old glazes. Mix them together in one bucket. Call it Mystery Glaze as you have no idea what will come out of it. Experiment with in on decorative ware (NOT utilitarian).
- Keep a separate bucket of water for the glazing. This is to be used for washing hands, brushes, and glazing tools. Leave it to settle out overnight, pour off the water, collect the settled glaze at the bottom and add it to your Mystery Glaze.
- Avoid using toxic glaze materials i.e., those that contain lead, chromium oxide, nickel oxide and barium carbonate.
- If you must throw any glaze, away make sure you leave it to dry out first. Then dispose of it in the chemical waste collection point. Throwing glaze down the sink means it will eventually end up in the waterways.
Simple acts, like the above, by all studios will have a massive impact glaze waste reduction. Let's do our best to give it a go.