As a conservationist, I strive to make my pottery practice as sustainable as possible, acknowledging that ceramics production inherently carries a carbon footprint. I have implemented several measures to minimise my impact:

• Energy efficiency: My studio is powered by solar panels, supplying approximately half of the electricity required for kiln firings. Additionally, I use a foot-powered pottery wheel and benefit from solar-heated water for cleaning tasks.

• Water conservation: Rainwater is collected in water butts from the roofs, providing a readily accessible water source.

• Clay recycling: All scraps and unfired pieces are reclaimed (i.e. after soaking in water, the clay is dried on a large plaster batt and wedged back into usable material). I also bulk buy my clay from a local source to reduce delivery costs.

• Packaging: I reuse high-quality bags from friends and repurpose bubble wrap multiple times. Friends provide me with newspapers and if I am lucky, they haven’t always done all the crosswords which can be a distraction to working. I often use the paper as internal support during sculpture creation or to prevent slabs from sticking to a surface.

• Tools and equipment: Many tools are repurposed household items, such as forks, old boned knives and grandma’s rolling pin. I use old white tiles as drying racks and to carry small items between rooms and buildings.

• Car: While my car is not electric, at least it is not diesel!