Sustainability

My work is rooted in a love of trees, nature, and the materials I use. Each piece I make begins with a question: Where did this come from, how is it shaped, and what impact will it have long after it leaves my hands?

When creating, I look closely at three things:

1. Origin

The story of the materials matters. The wood I use is always locally sourced — never imported, never tropical hardwoods. Much of it comes from trees felled due to disease (such as ash dieback) or as part of responsible woodland management. Some would otherwise be discarded as firewood, but instead it’s given a second life as a vessel or bowl. I also consider the ingredients in the oils and finishes I apply, ensuring they are natural, safe, and free from harmful additives.

2. Process

How I make is just as important as what I make. I avoid petrochemical-based products like epoxy resins, plastics, or blowtorches, as these create toxins and microplastics that go against the very nature I want to honour. My tools are chosen for quality and longevity, often bought second-hand, so they serve me for years without waste. The act of turning wood should feel connected to the natural world, not at odds with it.

3. Longevity & Impact

Every piece is made to last, finished with durable, food-safe oils that are non-toxic for your home. If one day a bowl or vessel is no longer wanted, it will return gently to the earth, breaking down without harm. Sustainability to me isn’t only about how something begins, but also how it continues its journey long after my part is done.

Materials

Wood

I’d rather see a tree alive and thriving than cut purely for making. That’s why I only use wood that is local to me, never imported or commercially harvested for timber alone. Some comes from Westonbirt Arboretum’s careful woodland management, while others are gifted by tree surgeons — such as ash taken down because of dieback. In this way, I give new form to what might otherwise be lost.

Finishes

I choose finishes that are natural and low-impact, such as those made from plant-based and mineral ingredients. Brands like Auro and Osmo allow me to protect and enhance the wood while avoiding harmful chemicals, solvents, or plastic additives.

No Plastics or Epoxy

My work is made of wood, not plastic. Epoxy resins are, at their core, a form of plastic — harmful to make, harmful to dispose of, and harmful to the environment. They create toxic by-products and never break down. I choose not to use them because I want my pieces to reflect nature, not fight against it. (And, if I’m honest, I find them ugly too.)

Other Considerations

Tools

I value tools that last. Wherever possible I buy second-hand or reclaimed tools, or those returned to shops. Durable tools mean less waste and a more sustainable practice.

Waste and Leftover Wood

Wood is precious, and I make every effort to use it fully. Sometimes I save multiple bowls from a single piece of wood using a bowl saver. Smaller offcuts become small objects, and what’s left is used to heat my home in the woodburner. Wood shavings are added to my compost heap along with garden clippings, returning them to the soil.

Energy

My lathe and other equipment are powered by electricity supplied by a green energy provider. While I’m not yet able to generate my own renewable power at home, I choose suppliers who are committed to sustainability, generating using solar and wind.

Packaging

All packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable. My business cards and printed materials are produced by A Local Printer Ltd, eco-conscious printers who work with sustainable, plastic-free materials and run on green energy.

No Animal Ingredients

My work and packaging contain no animal-derived ingredients. Everything I use is plant-based or mineral.

Each piece I make is a collaboration with nature — thank you for choosing work that respects the material, the process, and the earth it came from.

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