What does "sustainable style" mean to you?
At its most basic, sustainability means doing things in a way that can continue indefinitely - not using up resources faster than they can be replenished, or contaminating the world for ourselves and others.
But what comes to your mind with the phrase? The problem I have with so much of today’s “sustainable style” is that the emphasis is so much more on “sustainable” than “style”. So much of what is made sustainably is too blatant for my taste - its practically shouting, “See! I used to be a bicycle chain!” or soda pop can, or whatever. Don't you think?
While I always strive to make Sundrop Jewelry as sustainable as possible (you can read more about the ongoing process of running a sustainable business here), I also want to offer you a more elegant option.
According to wikipedia, style is "a manner of doing or presenting things." Pretty basic and bare-bones.
But my view is that your personal style goes far beyond presenting. Personal style is rooted deeper than the surface appearance you present to the world. It stems from the beauty we each experience, which can be very different from person to person. One person loves the abstract experimentation of modern art, while the drama of the baroque sparks excitement in another.
Combine all those things that resonate with something inside of you. A gorgeous broad vista or a silent space in the green forest. A particular color whose vibrance makes your heart leap. A pattern that makes you stare, mesmerized. We don’t always present our true style to the world - but maybe we should. And we shouldn’t have to choose between our style and our ideals.
You can have both. You can express your love of causal elegance, minimalism, flowing design. And, in your self-expression, revealing your own style, you are supporting sustainability. You are helping keep the Earth in balance for your children, and their children, and theirs.
How would you describe your style? Comment and let me know - I want to be sure that I continue designing exactly what you need in order to to best express yourself!
Gemini Earrings in sun-melted cobalt blue glass, made from recycled Skyy Vodka bottles and reclaimed sterling silver. Shop this and more sustainable jewelry designs at SundropJewelry.com
What a lovely thing to add style to sustainability! We definitely need more of this. My own style tends to be simple, with nature inspired themes like leaves and flowers.
I love your take on “sustainable style,” Tawny! The blue color in these is beautiful. I look forward to adding dangling earrings back to my own style when my baby gets a little older. :)