Sustainable Spotlight: Earth + Element
Earth + Element donates profits from their EAT WELL DO GOOD bowls to non-profit Nature's Path.
Earth + Element is a sustainable brand that makes beautiful ceramics for the home to help consumers on their journey towards zero-waste living. The collection features refillable and reusable products including soap dispensers, cork jars, mugs, bowls, self-watering garden pots, and more. We caught up with founder Elizabeth Di Prinzio to learn more about the handmade ceramics brand.
Earth + Element Founder Elizabeth Di Prinzio.
Can you share a little bit about your background and what led you to launch your ceramics collection?
My background has been in photography and film, as I spent many years running multiple photo studios in Hollywood. My job was hectic and I was looking for a meditative outlet to unwind after work so I joined a local clay class. I really fell in love with the natural elements of clay and how the process of making is slow, and it was a big eye-opener to see that my lifestyle was the opposite of slow—it was fast and I needed a change. Another thing that led me to start my own business was to have the freedom to run a company that put people and the planet first.
Reusable soap dispenser from Earth + Element.
Any signature items or most popular items we should know about?
Well, COVID-19 and the state of our planet has changed the needs and wants of our customers this year. We launched a reusable soap dispenser that is chic, functional, and something that anyone would be proud to carry into their local refill shop. We've sold a lot of these and it's been wonderful to see how a small change can make an impact. Most of us do not realize that millions of plastic soap bottles end up in landfills or worse, the ocean.
What steps does your brand take towards being sustainable?
Well, first off, just the fact that we are creating from the Earth means that these pieces can end up back into the Earth one day. We hope they don't, but they can.
Our glazes are non-toxic and food safe. Our eco-operations are made up of reusing and recycling clay that come from trimmings or pieces that did not pass QC, etc. We cherish our clay and nothing goes to waste. When it comes to our shipping, we are plastic-free! Earth + Element ships with recyclable, biodegradable, and/or post-consumer material. (We reuse boxes and peanuts sent to us from our vendors.) Our care instructions have been printed on a packet of wildflower seeds. This is just the start and we hope to keep pushing our sustainable agenda.
How are your pieces designed to help people achieve a “zero waste” lifestyle?
We have a small collection of ceramics that are used to help you buy fewer items with plastic packaging. They've been designed with a refillable function. Whether it's your cleaning supplies, snacks, spices or bathroom essentials, there is a way to not purchase packaging. There have been package-free shops opening up across the states and this trend is not going away. We also developed some beautiful self-watering pots for your garden that promote water conservation.
Can you share a little about your collaboration with organic breakfast food company Nature’s Path and what you are doing with them to help fight food insecurity?
I was thrilled and honored to work with Nature's Path to create a bowl to symbolize the food insecurity that is taking place right now. Due to COVID-19, children are missing out on their regular school meals and parents are having a hard time putting food on the table. Nature's Path has partnered with 10 food banks to donate one million bowls of food and we are donating the profits from our EAT WELL DO GOOD bowls right back to the fundraiser.
To check out the Earth + Element collection, visit earthandelement.com and follow @earthandelement on Instagram.
Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy