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Sustainability Policy

Updated July 2025

At The Lucky Sixpence, I recognise that the climate crisis is a shared global challenge. As a small, independent UK maker of accessories and jewellery, I am committed to making responsible, transparent choices that minimise my environmental footprint and support a more sustainable future.

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While my impact may be small in scale, I believe in the power of cumulative, conscious change. This policy sets out my current practices and future commitments aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and my responsibility to the planet and people.

The UK wedding and special occasions industry has a significant environmental impact - estimated at around 14.5 tonnes of COâ‚‚e per average wedding (Sustainable Wedding Alliance). At The Lucky Sixpence, I design handmade accessories suitable for weddings, special occasions, events, and everyday wear. My pieces are timeless, made to be re-wearable and passed down through families, promoting sustainability by reducing fashion waste and encouraging longevity.

The Lucky Sixpence Sustainability policy

Key Sustainability Issues in My Industry

The fashion and accessories industry contributes notably to environmental challenges including resource depletion, waste generation, and carbon emissions. As a maker of jewellery and accessories, the key sustainability issues I address include:

  • Sourcing materials ethically and sustainably

  • Minimising waste through production methods

  • Reducing carbon emissions linked to materials, packaging, and transport

  • Supporting local and independent suppliers to reduce environmental impact

  • Creating long-lasting, high-quality pieces designed to be reused and cherished

My Sustainability Commitments

Responsible Sourcing

  • I prioritise sourcing materials from UK suppliers, including recycled wire made in the UK, and work with small independent UK businesses who can buy in bulk from trusted suppliers internationally.

  • I purchase some materials secondhand via online ‘de-stash’ marketplaces, reducing demand for new resources.

  • Where I must source outside the UK (e.g. crystal gemstones), I generally use companies such as Etsy who automatically offsets 100% of carbon emissions from shipping and packaging, as part of its goal to reach net‑zero by 2030.

  • Other materials sourced outside of UK are done so thoughtfully and I endeavour to offset the associated carbon footprint through tree and shrub planting.

 

Waste Reduction & Circularity

  • I make all items to order, minimising overproduction and waste.

  • I rework broken or unloved costume jewellery, including client-supplied materials, extending the life of pre-existing items.

  • Leftover materials are either used for one-of-a-kind pieces or de-stashed online to other makers, reducing waste.

  • Designs I no longer wish to sell are broken down and material either used again or recycled

  • I offer a repair service on any The Lucky Sixpence items to extend wearability

  • I keep and recycle all waste materials generated during production - wire, chain etc.

  • Sometimes materials are sent to me in plastic packing - this is either reused or I recycle

 

Sustainable Packaging & Shipping

  • I use Tiny Box Company who are based in the UK for packaging - known for its eco credentials such as recycled and compostable materials, UK-based bespoke production, FSC & vegan‑glue certifications, and strong recycling and charity reuse policies.

  • Some boxes have a foam insert - I am looking at how these can be replaced, however my boxes are designed to be keepsake items to prolong the longevity of wear and so I encourage these not to be thrown away.

  • I use a company that prints my artisan postcards using recycled, uncoated paper and plant-based inks. I choose not to use any plastic lamination or glossy coatings so that the cards can be recycled after use.

  • Packing materials for posting are reused where possible (e.g., bubble wrap) or recyclable. I never buy plastic packing. 

  • I choose to send my items with Royal Mail - who are the more sustainable shipping option among UK couriers. With the lowest reported COâ‚‚e per parcel and a credible, science-backed roadmap to net zero.

 

Energy & Operational Practices

  • I work from a solar-powered home studio, eliminating commuting emissions and supporting renewable energy.

  • When drawing from 'the grid' at times when home solar production is not enough I use Octopus Energy because they supply 100% renewable electricity - from solar and wind generation tied to projects they directly invest in. They’ve received top ethical ratings, offer smart tariffs that encourage low-carbon use, and continue to lead in energy innovation and offsetting.

  • My website domain is run by a company who is listed with the ‘Green Web Foundation’ That means hosting services are recognised as being powered by 100% renewable energy – wind, solar, and hydro

  • I offer online consultations through Google meet and Microsoft Teams: Google Meet stands out for its 100% renewable energy sourcing and top-tier data centre efficiency. Microsoft Teams excels in its ambitious climate goals -carbon-negative by 2030. I have moved away from using Zoom who has less public information on environmental commitments and renewable energy sourcing

  • For payments, I use PayPal - one of the most sustainable fintech platforms in operation today. With 100% renewable energy powering its data centres, a commitment to net‑zero by 2040, and strong ESG reporting, it aligns with my values of transparency and environmental responsibility.

 

Ethical Partnerships & Transparency

  • I choose to work with suppliers and partners who share my commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.

  • I am transparent with customers about my materials and processes and welcome dialogue about sustainability.​

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Goals & Future Plans

  • Continue to reduce my carbon footprint through thoughtful sourcing and operational improvements.

  • Expand the amount of materials made in the UK using recycled materials within my designs

  • Explore further carbon offsetting initiatives to balance unavoidable emissions.

  • Maintain and share transparent reporting on my sustainability progress.

  • Explore more sustainable website hosting companies (not just domain)

  • Work with the Sustainable Wedding Alliance to explore further options for making my business more sustainable.

  • Continue to review most sustainable shipping options

  • Continue to explore additional or alternative online payment providers that align even more closely with long-term environmental goals - particularly those investing in carbon removal and offering more transparent climate contributions 

Photo by Wild Soul Photography

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