Lady LUX

With the growing demand of gold there’s also been an increase of questioning the retrieval process and the impact it has on our earth.

This focus on social responsibility is outstanding and has been fueled by the consumer (YOU) becoming more aware of this sphere of influence, starting with the mighty dollar.

That’s right, LUXies. Our consumer power is continuing to show signs of impacting positive change. Influencing companies that previously never cared for their ‘global’ impact to now become fully aware of long-term ramifications for their operations and procedures. This shift of focus is causing some major changes, especially in the gold industry.

Through the use of media and education, more and more people are becoming aware of the environmental impacts of mining gold. This need to make changes for lasting ‘green’ and sustainable focus will reach its threshold for the gold industry very soon.

“Producing a single gold wedding band leaves behind 20 tons of waste at a mine site,” said Payal Sampat, director of the No Dirty Gold campaign, which was founded in 2004 by Earthworks, a nongovernmental organization based in Washington. “We’re trying to improve practices at mine sites and change the way mining is done, so it has reduced environmental and human rights impacts. We’re definitely improving [mining, in terms of social responsibility]. We’re not almost there…we’re a long way from there.”

This ‘No Dirty Gold’ campaign has truly taken a life of its own with the collaboration of some major companies forming an alliance to transform this current system. Their aim is to implement a neutral accountability system that ensures the review of clean gold and the use of eco-friendly mining practices! Not to mention, they’ve also gained the backing of large retailers and jewelry brands that ‘encourage mining companies to meet the standards required’ for clean gold. Just some of the most prominent ones include Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., J.C. Penney Co. and Sears.

In addition, the reduction of consumer demand as well as the increase in social responsibility might be the perfect combination for successful change in this arena.

It definitely goes to show how important our individual focus on making a difference is. From the jewelry we buy to the clothes we wear, we continue to influence change through our fashion statements and financial commitments to companies who have a positive affect on our environment!

By continuing to ask questions of the brands we have grown to love, we can be a part of the positive transformation that’s taking form here. We encourage you to start asking more questions around social responsibility in all that you purchase and see what you discover through this process of exploration and awareness! Don’t forget to come back and inspire us with your LUX-ified perspectives as well. We love the way the LUX-o-lution continues to take shape!

So LUXies, what does your buying power currently support? Do you believe in your power as a consumer to influence and support this change? What’s one way you can help support the ‘clean’ gold movement?

Tagged in: jewelry, clean gold, conscious consumerism, sustainable business,