As this mini-series is a more practical ‘how to’, I wanted to speak to someone who has a great deal of experience in creating an ethical and sustainable business.  In this episode, we hear from artist jeweller Ute Decker who simultaneously started her eponymous brand creating unique and limited edition sculptural jewellery, while researching and sharing what she had discovered around creating an ethical company.  This research culminated into a site now run by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths called Ethical Making.

For someone thinking of starting up a company with ethical credentials, Ute makes some very strong points.  She explains that terms like ‘sustainable’ and ‘responsibly sourced’ are overworked terms and are not necessarily truthful.  She emphasises that, to be ethical, we must start by being truthful and accurate in what we claim.

Ute’s advice:

• Set up the company right from the start with a view to sustainability
• Start by looking at the ethical consumer
• Always be specific and precise in what you claim, otherwise it’s meaningless
• Be truthful: avoid “greenwash”, ie. claims that can’t be substantiated
• “Fairtrade” (whatever product it applies to) is a protected term, as is “environmentally friendly” (whereas “sustainable” and “ethical” are often misused)
• Choose a green energy supplier from the start (rather than promising to offset the carbon footprint)
• Choose green banking
• Check out the Social Development Goals of the United Nations, and EthicalMaking.org
• Look at what the big corporations are doing in this area
• Always consider the unintended consequences of your decisions
• Know your sources and check the certifications
• Being “sustainable” can never be perfectly realised; but you can work towards it
• Giving a percentage to charity does not compensate for unsustainable practices
• Remember the consumer is powerful and will ask questions

Ethical Metal Smith 
Chicago Responsible Jewellery Conference.com
Jewellery Industry Summit
Art Initiatives
B Corp

You can contact Ute via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and [email protected]

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
Links:

• LastPass the password-keeping site. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva for creating all the social media assets

Thank you for listening.  I would be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast as it helps others find it.
Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield,  Fallow, Field & Mason
Edited by Emma Dewhurst. Recorded, edited & published b

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