It wasn’t the answer I had hoped for, in fact it threw me. And when I finally landed it was clear I had my next topic for EcoSalon. Is ceramic an eco-friendly material?

Not really.

Ceramic is certainly not 100% eco-friendly, although it does boast an honest list of good intentions.

But first the aforementioned answer, which comes from Whitney Smith, a ceramic artist on Etsy. I asked her about the eco-friendliness of her work. Here’s what she said:

Hi Kim, I wouldn’t consider my process eco-friendly. Pottery production uses a lot of energy, and many of the ingredients in glazes and the clay body itself are toxic and cancer-causing in their raw form, and are mined from the earth. I take steps to reduce harm to the environment and myself and employees in my relatively low-production studio, but as a general rule it is impossible to make eco-friendly pottery, though I have seen people make that claim. As far as energy usage, I know some people have employed solar panels to reduce usage, but kilns use so much energy that solar panels are a minor offset at best.  Wood burning and gas fired kilns pollute the air. I know PG&E, my energy provider, claims that over 50% of the energy provided to Northern Californians is wind energy, but who knows? Thanks for asking!  Whitney

I’ve heard the term “eco-friendly ceramics” tossed around by at least a few of the artisans whose work we’ve featured here at EcoSalon. (Perch! and Heath Ceramics, to name just two.) What do they mean and how can they claim eco, while Smith speaks of the polluting process and a serious footprint?

Needless to say, I was stumped. I wanted to reply with, “But, but, but…other people say their ceramics are eco?” Instead I bit my tongue and hit up Google.

It took me just under 5 minutes to find an environmentally friendly ceramic memo board and this ceramic teapot made with “sustainable materials.” Really?

Clay is an organic substance, for crying out loud. It comes straight from the earth, but as I’ve learned, this doesn’t mean it’s anything near green. Can any object made of clay, baked at degrees in the realm of the thousands ever be considered remotely green?

Perhaps.

For instance, what if non-toxic, low-impact glazes are used? What if the artist’s studio is footprint-free? And what if there’s a type of clay (there is) that only requires one fire in the kiln rather than two?

That, we can fairly say, is progress. Perfection? Does it really matter, as long as there’s an authentic and consistent path toward better, cleaner, safer?

Upon further investigation, I found this post by Laura Zindle, an artist based in Vermont. She states – emphatically, I might add – that her own work is not even the lightest shade of green and further, she’s infuriated that that others are making such preposterous claims.

Zindle has done some of her own research, asking her most knowledgeable colleagues to comment. Their thoughts show candor and passion about the art of ceramics, their own green leanings and how difficult it is to make ceramics 100% sustainable.

What most of them do agree on is the importance of staying informed and educating oneself about the options. The problem, which seems to be a common thread through any and all movements working toward sustainability, is that changes cost money.

John Hull, one of Zindle’s colleagues and a “lifelong educator and potter,” responds to her inquiry with the pragmatic suggestion that “being more green is better than less green.”

You and I work at home. We don’t drive to work using fuel…that’s green.
Your products are functional and don’t get thrown away…that’s green.
When they get broken and are disposed of, they don’t have a negative environmental impact…that’s green.
Your construction process doesn’t use energy (electric potter’s wheel, ram press, etc.)…that’s green.
You fire to a relatively low temp in an efficient kiln emitting no harmful gases (as in reduction)…that’s green.
Your kilns help heat the house and work space…that’s green….and on and on,
BUT…energy use, mining and transporting of materials and all that is a question.

Actually, most of the ceramic artists I have researched claim some level of lessened environmental impact, ranging from total eco-friendliness to simply using non-toxic glazes. For example, Steve Harrison and Janine King have lived and worked green in Australia for years. Davistudio, Emily Murphy and, of course Amy Adams and Perch! are also on the path.

Zindle’s website now claims her work is “hand built and slip cast with low fire white earthenware and glazed with non-toxic low fire glazes”. Even a cynic can see the light.

There’s plenty of greenwashing going around, and the world of ceramics is hardly unique in this. A consistent definition of what it means to be green in ceramics needs to be established.  That being said, an honest dialogue is occurring within the ceramics community, which is clearly a move in the right, green direction.

Unquestionably, ceramic is better than plastic. Ceramics are also handmade, and therefore tend to be high in quality. Ceramics are recyclable and artists like Sarah Cihat prefer to use the old and make something new. Vintage ceramics from companies like Bauer are collectibles and are very functional. Personally, I’d rather have Bauer than anything new from Neiman’s.

But I still would love a Whitney Smith cake stand (second image).

Main image: lepiaf.geo

Slow down and take time to smell the rosés.

That’s our highly recommended approach to the eco-sensual pairing of artisanal food and terroir-expressive wines at this Sunday’s Golden Glass Wine Event at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Pavilion.

It’s also the prevailing philosophy of sponsor Slow Food USA, an organization dedicated to advocating the importance of sustainable farming practices that respect traditional knowledge and taste.

Complementing more than 100 no-pesticide wines from around the globe will be exclusive sampling from some of the Bay Area’s top restaurants and artisanal producers, including: A16, Absinthe, Aquarelle, Heaven’s Dog, La Poggio Trattoria, SF Baking Institute, Slow Club, Stella Cadente and Trattoria Corso.

Whew! And you thought this coming Sunday was for popping the top off a Bud Light for dad as he basted ribs on the BBQ in celebration of Father’s Day. How “˜bout a radical departure? Treat him to a brave new world of pure, delicious food and fruity no-nonsense wines fast by the San Francisco Bay.

The best news about the Slow Food Movement – as on display in this event – is that it combines high-minded principles with unsurpassed gourmet pleasures.

A few bites and sips later, your dad just might be more than happy to trade in his brewski and back rib for a Bordeaux and brioche.

When: Sunday, June 21, 2009
General admission: 2:00 ““ 6:00 p.m.

Entrance fee: Advance purchase: $60 (Slow Food members: $55); at the door $70; Food only and under 21: $20 (all entry tickets include 5 food tasting tickets. Additional food tickets can be purchased in groups of 5 for $20).

Where: Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
The Festival Pavilion

Images: Joe Budd Photography

A unique alternative to a duvet cover, the Kalamkari bedding accents will add a trendy touch without making your sleep spot too busy.

Created by skilled craftsmen employing a centuries-old Indian tradition comprised of 15 painstaking steps, this chic set takes 40 days in the making. Talented artisans use specially carved teak tools to hand-press a myriad of elaborate designs onto sun-bleached organic cotton with all-natural dyes. So, not only will your bed be modish and green, it will be infused with culture as well. (On sale at sponsor VivaTerra for $98- $212.)

Robert Frost once wrote, “So was I once myself a swinger of birches. And so I dream of going back to be.” These words strike a pang in all our hearts because comprehending the meaning behind this beautiful poem signifies that you have forever left your childhood behind.

But, that doesn’t mean you can’t capture the same wistful essence in your adult abode. Adorned with skillfully hand-carved silhouettes of this simply spectacular tree, the sustainable Birch Forest panels will take you back to that youthful winter afternoon when you first wandered alone through the leafless woods in silent awe of nature’s pristine splendor. (Available at sponsor VivaTerra for $649.)

It’s great to hear women’s entrepreneurial success stories.

Katherine Sturgis fits into one of her own.

After working for several years in corporate fashion, buying and merchandising mass-market items, Sturgis came to a conclusion: big business simply wasn’t for her. Instead, she opted to follow her passion and be more creative in the confines of her own home.

Utilizing “Disparate elements and materials to create pieces that are playful, elegant and above all, wearable,” Sturgis says, she creates chunky sterling silver chains entwined with silk thread, strands of vintage rhinestones, and strings of hand-painted leather.

The result is a one-of-a-kind bracelet representing your individuality and a designer’s success story.

We caught up with Katherine to see what her new life was like.

Do you just love your new life as a designer and not as a buyer or merchandiser?

I love being creative and working with my hands every day. There is more stress in taking all the responsibility, but it is worth it.

How does that past life affect what you’re designing now?

Working as a buyer and merchandiser gave me a wonderful foundation to work from. I learned a lot about the business behind fashion and the designs. I also learned a lot about building a collection and thinking about how pieces will work together to create a story.

You mention your pieces are “glammed-up friendship bracelets.”  Is this where your inspiration started?

I first made the braided wrap bracelet for my best girlfriends, which they then named friendship bracelets. I loved that idea.

Who are you designing for?

I am designing for myself first. But I also design for people with an eclectic sense of style who want pretty jewelry for every day wear and all occasions. I think beautiful things should be worn as much as possible – not only for special occasions. My grandmother once commented that no one wants to wear rhinestones every day. My immediate response was, “I do!”

Does discovering an interesting vintage material inspire you?

Absolutely. I love walking through flea markets. Seeing beautiful pieces gets my mind spinning. It is exciting to work with older things because you have to adapt to the materials and to what is available.

Do you follow trends or make your own?

I think big, sparkly jewelry is very on trend right now, as is mixing materials. I certainly fit into trends on those terms.

Known and adored for his kinetic modern sculptures, paintings and avant-garde mobiles, Alexander Calder was also an eco jewelry maker long before anyone knew what that meant.

During his lifetime, the American artist produced some 1,800 pieces of brass, silver, and gold body ornaments, using wire he twisted into wearable art. Like the stunning flower necklace below, these were often embellished with found objects such as beach glass, wood cuttings, ceramic shards and pieces of mirror.

About 90 of his inventive designs are on exhibit at the “Metropolitan Musuem of Art” in New York beginning December 9th and running through March 1, 2009. Calder Jewelry is the first museum presentation dedicated solely to the artist’s extensive jewelry designs.

According to his bio, the young Calder began collecting copper wire in the streets back in 1906 to adorn his sister’s dolls. That lead to the creation of gorgeous, modern baubles in the 30s and 40s which, like his other installations, were inspired by trees and branches and other shapes and objects found in nature.

Word has it he made many of the necklaces, earrings, bracelets and brooches to give as gifts to his friends and family. Weren’t they the lucky ones! I get banana chocolate chip muffins from my sister but no cool, handmade art.

Among the savvy collectors of Calder’s pieces were artist Georgia O’Keefe and Peggy Guggenheim, two women with discerning eyes, to say the least. Learn more about the sculptor and see more of his fascinating jewelry at the Calder Organization.

The UK is in the grip of the coldest winter in years and in recent weeks heavy snowfalls have blanketed much of the country. Even London had about a foot of the white stuff last week – the heaviest snowfall in two decades – and there’s no sign of it warming up any time soon. Meanwhile, in North America, you’re set for another six weeks of winter – at least according to Punxsutawney Phil.

Why not rug up with one of these beautiful artisanal woolen scarves? The wool is sourced from Britain, the yarns are spun in a specialist wool mill in Cornwall and then woven by artisan weavers in Wales. The company, Blacker Designs, started in 1991 and uses traditional methods on a commercial scale.

From the website:

Wool and other natural fibres are sustainable, high performance raw materials providing warmth, insulation and comfort. We believe it is wrong to use oil-based or high energy alternatives, particularly when such a wonderful resource is finding it difficult to pay its way.

When good design is used, these fibres can be turned into classic, elegant and hard-wearing products that reward those who value and care for them. We believe in creating things to last.

The company recycles most of the waste it produces and tries to keep the remainder to a minimum. By buying British wool, they are supporting local farmers and thus helping to protect the UK countryside from encroaching urbanization.

The scarves come in three main yarns – alpaca, Shetland and Jacob wool with mohair – and some of the special edition scarves also contain Tussah silk (which means the silkworms are not killed). The company claims that all the scarves are soft to the skin and you can either go for natural greys and browns, or bright candy-colours instead. They also have a lovely range of throws and blankets – and knitting yarns for the craft enthusiast.

Stepney Green Park, London

My grandest fantasy as a young girl included leading a life like Chris Evert or Gabriella Sabatini, which for an 8-year-old mostly meant wearing cute tennis skirts and being on TV. Although I have a great tennis game today (if I do say so myself), playing pro quickly lost its allure as my life took its creative twists and turns.

One of those turns found me thinking about opening a small store in my hometown, filled with luxurious handmade, artsy and hard to find stuff. Then the online shopping trend took off and I moved on.

Although my dream job has finally found me, if I was to twist and turn yet again I’d open that small store and imagine it would have the same look and feel as Radici.

This UK-based online store sells handcrafted and eco-friendly wares for the home, the baby, him and her, as well as computers and iPods. Not just any wares, mind you, but sweet, special and stylish things that make great gifts for the hard-to-find person in your life.

The site itself has a warm, welcoming attitude, and the owners, Fiona and Jenneth, are clever and passionate about their mission. It shows. Another member of the Radici team writes the blog, featuring “just some beautiful things”¦” as well as great design finds and fun facts.

To whet your appetite, here are just a few of the shop’s offerings:

The Ceramic Basket Bowl (5.9″ in diameter) is made with eco-friendly ceramic and a non-toxic finish. It’s companion, the Tiny Ceramic Bowl (3.3″ in diameter), is also trés adorable. Available for $50 and $34, respectively.

Shoppers in the UK are now being charged for using plastic bags, so the reusable Urban Shopper ($96), handmade using recycled sails, is a must-have.

Check out the Pebble Journal ($34), another handmade item that’s made of wool felt and acid-free paper.

I could go on”¦but at the moment, shipping is restricted to the UK and Northern Ireland only. So you lucky folks across the pond, start shopping for your favorites and I’ll just keep hoping they change that shipping policy, and quick.

Whether or not you’re planning a flight to a faraway land (carbon credited, of course), the Voyager Shawl offers a dose of the exotic. I can’t afford to “buy now” over at Travelocity, but I can at least imagine myself zipping along a charming coastal road on my Vespa – Positano, perhaps? – wrapped in the Voyager Shawl.

Useful as a wrap, shawl or coverup, you get even more in the case of this crafty and colorful version. The two pockets make it handy for the farmers’ market (holds the grocery list) and the reading nook alike (stows the glasses).

The subtle jacquard pattern and boho color combo pushes the Voyager to the verge of hippie, but there’s plenty of chic to keep it cool. It measures 83″L by 18″W, so wrap it around twice for extra warmth. You can find it at VivaTerra, on sale, for $118.

Have a bun in the oven? Maybe some friends who are expecting? Well, it’s never too early to get that baby started on the path to a green lifestyle. Kistner Supply recently launched three brand new eco-friendly product lines that are sure to make you the sustainable star at any upcoming showers (even your own)! Before that tiny bundle of love enters the world, apply your impeccable taste in decor to the nursery. From the pages of their 100th anniversary edition of Mother Stork’s Baby Book, their beautiful baby art includes seven charming prints and three Victorian frames to delicately adorn walls and tabletops. As safe as they are soft, the recycled cashmere chime balls and baby blankets make for 100% natural sleep and play time.