Sustainability
We’re green! With climate change a pressing problem, we try to do what we can to limit our impact on the environment. Ceramic tiles are considered an inherently sustainable building material since they are durable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic and chemical resistant. At Blue Willow Studio, we try to go a little further by using 100% renewable wind energy to power our kilns, and sourcing our raw materials from US companies. Read a bit further about our green efforts below.
We’re green! With climate change a pressing problem, we try to do what we can to limit our impact on the environment. Ceramic tiles are considered an inherently sustainable building material since they are durable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic and chemical resistant. At Blue Willow Studio, we try to go a little further by using 100% renewable wind energy to power our kilns, and sourcing our raw materials from US companies. Read a bit further about our green efforts below.
100% Renewable Electricity Use
Creating ceramic tiles requires a fair amount of energy use. While firing on high, my kiln uses 8 kW of electricity per hour. Blue Willow tiles are fired 2 times, and each firing lasts about 13 hours. So, a batch of tiles can use up to 208 kW of electricity! In order to mitigate the potential negative impacts to the environment from conventional electricity sources, Blue Willow Studio gets 100% of it electricity from renewable wind power sourced in-state.
Creating ceramic tiles requires a fair amount of energy use. While firing on high, my kiln uses 8 kW of electricity per hour. Blue Willow tiles are fired 2 times, and each firing lasts about 13 hours. So, a batch of tiles can use up to 208 kW of electricity! In order to mitigate the potential negative impacts to the environment from conventional electricity sources, Blue Willow Studio gets 100% of it electricity from renewable wind power sourced in-state.
Materials Sourced in the US
Blue Willow uses three main types of materials in our tile making process: plaster for making our tile molds, clay for creating the tile bodies, and glazes for decorating the tiles. All of our materials are made in the US. Our plaster comes from New Jersey; our clay comes from western Pennsylvania, and our glazes come from a number of states across the country. Sourcing from US companies cuts down on the negative environmental impacts associated with long-distance shipping. Plus, we believe in supporting US businesses and local jobs.
Blue Willow uses three main types of materials in our tile making process: plaster for making our tile molds, clay for creating the tile bodies, and glazes for decorating the tiles. All of our materials are made in the US. Our plaster comes from New Jersey; our clay comes from western Pennsylvania, and our glazes come from a number of states across the country. Sourcing from US companies cuts down on the negative environmental impacts associated with long-distance shipping. Plus, we believe in supporting US businesses and local jobs.
Reused / Recycled Packaging
Whenever possible, Blue Willow reuses packaging materials for shipping your order. For instance, all our bubble wrap and most of our paper packaging has come to us from previous shipments, and gets a second life cushioning our tiles on their travels. When reuse is not an option, we try to purchase recycled shipping materials.
Whenever possible, Blue Willow reuses packaging materials for shipping your order. For instance, all our bubble wrap and most of our paper packaging has come to us from previous shipments, and gets a second life cushioning our tiles on their travels. When reuse is not an option, we try to purchase recycled shipping materials.
Non-Toxic Raw Materials
Worker safety is also important to Blue Willow. All our raw materials are considered non-toxic by ANSI standards. Our glazes are all lead and cobalt free. Our clay is comprised of natural minerals and is also considered non-toxic. While it is a good idea to wear a dust mask when working with dry plaster, it too is classified as non-toxic.
Worker safety is also important to Blue Willow. All our raw materials are considered non-toxic by ANSI standards. Our glazes are all lead and cobalt free. Our clay is comprised of natural minerals and is also considered non-toxic. While it is a good idea to wear a dust mask when working with dry plaster, it too is classified as non-toxic.
Non-Toxic Building Material
Ceramic tiles are considered a non-toxic, no-VOC building material. Due to their manufacturing process, ceramic tiles become completely inert through high-temperature firing. Therefore, unlike almost all other floor and wall coverings (paint, wood, bamboo, etc.), ceramic tiles do not out-gas toxic chemicals into the indoor environment. The ceramic surface itself is non-toxic and can come into contact with food.
Ceramic tiles are considered a non-toxic, no-VOC building material. Due to their manufacturing process, ceramic tiles become completely inert through high-temperature firing. Therefore, unlike almost all other floor and wall coverings (paint, wood, bamboo, etc.), ceramic tiles do not out-gas toxic chemicals into the indoor environment. The ceramic surface itself is non-toxic and can come into contact with food.
Durability
Excellent durability is one of the key factors that make ceramic tiles green building materials. Ceramic tiles will most likely outlive all the other building materials in your home. Unlike other floor and wall coverings, ceramic tiles can withstand high traffic, wet or dirty areas without excessive wearing.
Excellent durability is one of the key factors that make ceramic tiles green building materials. Ceramic tiles will most likely outlive all the other building materials in your home. Unlike other floor and wall coverings, ceramic tiles can withstand high traffic, wet or dirty areas without excessive wearing.
Hypoallergenic
Due to the inert surface of ceramic tiles, they are considered hypoallergenic. The ceramic material itself does not cause allergies, nor does it harbor dust and other allergens like some building materials like carpet.
Due to the inert surface of ceramic tiles, they are considered hypoallergenic. The ceramic material itself does not cause allergies, nor does it harbor dust and other allergens like some building materials like carpet.