Eco-Friendly Clay: What to Know About Sustainable Ceramics

In the heart of every handmade ceramic piece lies the earth itself — clay. As artists and conscious creators, it’s our responsibility to consider the impact of our materials on the planet. Whether you're a studio potter, a weekend hobbyist, or a ceramic enthusiast, understanding the environmental implications of the clay you use is a powerful step toward more sustainable artistry.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes clay eco-friendly, how to source it responsibly, and what sustainable practices you can adopt in your ceramic journey.

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What Is “Eco-Friendly” Clay?

Eco-friendly clay refers to clay that is either naturally sourced with minimal environmental impact, reclaimed and reused, or produced with a focus on reducing energy and resource consumption. While no clay is entirely impact-free, certain types and practices help lower the ecological footprint of ceramic production.

Key Features of Sustainable Clay:

• Locally sourced to reduce transport emissions
• Low-firing temperatures, which use less energy
• Reclaimed or recycled clay from trimmings or discarded work
• Minimal additives or chemicals during processing

Types of Clay and Their Environmental Impact

Each type of clay has different characteristics — and a different impact.
1. Earthenware

• Fires at low temperatures (1,800°F – 2,100°F)
• Pros: Energy efficient, abundant, and often locally sourced
• Cons: Not as durable as stoneware or porcelain which means it could break easier and end up in a landfill sooner

2. Stoneware

• Mid- to high-fire clay (2,100°F – 2,300°F)
• Pros: Strong and durable, good for functional ware
• Cons: Requires more energy to fire, so it uses more resources in the creation process.
  

I generally recommend to maximize the efficiency of each firing by ensuring the kiln is as full as possible. While it may take slightly more energy and more time to fire a large kiln load, it will still reduce the amount of energy per item in the kiln when divided out.

3. Porcelain

• High-fire clay (2,300°F and up)
• Pros: Smooth, white finish, fine detail
• Cons: High environmental cost due to mining and firing temps

How to Reclaim and Reuse Clay
One of the best ways to be sustainable is to reuse your clay scraps and trimmings.

Steps to Reclaim Clay:

1. Collect all your trimmings and dried-out pieces. Let the clay dry fully so that it absorbs water more evenly.
2. Soak the dried clay pieces in a bucket with water until they become a slip.
3. Pour the slip onto a plaster bat or reclaim surface to dry evenly. If you don't have plaster, I recommend pouring it on a flat and smooth piece of wood and leaving it to dry in the sun.
4. Wedge the dried clay back to a usable consistency once it begins stiffening up.

Reclaiming your clay reduces waste and keeps valuable material out of landfills. It's also a money-saver. I think of reclaim clay as free clay because it's scraps from pieces I've already made.

Sustainable Studio Practices

Being a conscious ceramicist goes beyond just the clay you choose. Here are a few ideas to green your studio habits:

Energy Use

• Fire full kilns only
• Use energy-efficient kilns or consider solar kilns for low-fire work. I've been interested in solar energy to fire kilns for a while, but I haven't been able to set that up yet. Jon The Potter on YouTube has a solar energy setup for his kiln, and it is admirable.

Water Conservation

• Use a water recycling system for washing tools. I recommend having a couple of buckets in the studio with clean water, dirty water, and extra clay scraps.
• Let solids settle in buckets before discarding water

Waste Management

• Recycle glaze waste where possible
• Compost or reuse packing materials - I keep all my newspaper and shipping materials from packages I receive

Where to Find Sustainable Clay

​Some clay suppliers now offer recycled or eco-conscious clay bodies. Look for:

• Local clay mines or distributors
• Art schools or studios with reclaim programs
• Suppliers that clearly state their sustainability practices

Pro tip: Ask your clay supplier where their materials are sourced and if they offer recycled options, if you aren't interested in recycling your own.

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Sustainable ceramics is not about perfection — it’s about mindfulness. Every small step, from reusing clay to choosing energy-efficient firing methods, makes a difference. As artists, our impact is not only in what we create but in how we create it.
So next time you’re wedging a ball of clay or pulling a new piece from the kiln, know that you’re shaping more than ceramics — you’re shaping a better future.

Ready to go green in your studio?
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