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Making Your Jewelry Business “Top Brass” in Your Ethics
Julie Starr • November 18, 2021
Consumers are becoming more aware of their buying choices, and as we become more aware of the ethical practices in our daily lives, we have to work to make our business embody the same ethics. In the jewelry world, we encounter a lot of people looking for fair and moral practices, not just buyers, but jewelry makers as well. So if you are running a jewelry business, here are some key things to consider if you are looking to make your business more ethical and eco-friendly.
Your Raw Materials
One of the most important ethical factors within the industry is the material. Whether you are using jump rings to make rings or you are using pearls, gemstones, precious metals, and other materials, it is important to look at some of the following components:
- The operations . It’s crucial to ascertain the legalities of the mind the materials are coming from.
- The labor . This would consist of the safety of the mines, who is involved in the trading, and who is employed to do the mining.
- The environmental impact . Because mining is changing the landscape in a literal sense, is this being done appropriately? This would also mean you have to consider if the waste material is being dealt with safely.
Ensuring You Are Purchasing Ethical Materials
It is important to research the companies that you are sorting your materials from. You can ask them about their ethical practices, but you also need to look at some of the following components:
- Traceability . Is the company able to tell you where all the materials came from? This is so important as we can then look at the footprint.
- The responsibility of the supplier . Does your supplier assume responsibility for every purchase they make or is this outsourced to another company?
- The supply chain practices . If you are looking to minimize your carbon footprint , you’ve got to find suppliers that are consciously reducing their carbon footprint through their suppliers.
Improving Your Business Operations
It’s not just about the materials and the suppliers, you need to ensure that you are developing your business to adopt a more ethical approach. These can consist of a few key areas:
- Your operational procedures . There are some very simple things you can do to improve your business operations. If you are posting products to customers as part of a direct-to-consumer business, you’ve got to consider how you are using your fuel. You can save your energy by driving to the post office only once a week. This will also have a positive impact on your work-life balance.
- Creating an ethical business policy . This could help you to remain accountable. If you start to create a more environmentally-friendly policy that you can share with your customers, this could bring them back to you. It’s also something that you can incorporate into your business plan.
Ultimately, operating with an eco-friendly mindset is important but every industry operates differently. If you are running a jewelry business you must take ownership and remain accountable.
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects. The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.