Conscious Business Profile: Melissa Joy Manning, Inc.

01.18.2009 | Author: Steve Bernal | Posted in Conscious Business of the Week

Melissa Joy Manning, Inc is not your typical jewelry designer and manufacturer; they only purchase the finest materials from trusted American suppliers and are known and respected for their high-quality, sustainable jewelry. Employing ethical business practices, creating alliances with green resources, and contributing to the greater community make this hand-made jewelry company stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Melissa Joy Manning, Inc. takes conscious business and jewelry making to the next level. They target all areas of conscious business practices, from socially responsible sourcing and manufacturing that minimizes environmental impact, to donating money and products to charities. The company works exclusively with US-based vendors and participates in the Kimberly Certified Conflict Free Diamond process. In addition, Melissa Joy Manning, Inc. is proud to create hand-made jewelry in Oakland, CA by local, trained metal smiths that are guaranteed a living, working wage, full benefits, retirement packages, profit sharing, financial literacy training, and company matched IRA’s.

Sustainable Jewelry and Green Sourcing

There are many things to take into consideration when creating green, sustainable jewelry with a low environmental-impact. There are important details such as where the jewelry is mined, how it is refined, and how it is manufactured. Melissa Joy Manning makes sure that they are aware of each step of the process and sensitive to the environmental repercussions. They purchase only 100 percent recycled metal, and choose a metal supplier that is proud to utilize techniques that create 75 percent fewer waste and contaminants products than other refining techniques.

Melissa Joy Manning, Inc. also works exclusively with US-based vendors. One of the main reasons for choosing US vendors, other than supporting local economy and creating strong, local, green business alliances, is because the US participates in the Kimberley Certification Process. This certification process has extensive requirements and guarantees that they are receiving conflict-free diamonds, which are accompanied by documentation verifying the sources of their stones. While this certification focuses on conflict-free diamonds, it does not currently focus on environmental, fair-trade, or labor-related concerns. Many studies and advances are happening in the jewelry industry at this time; through purchasing Kimberley Certified stones they are dedicated to supporting progress and environmental awareness in the jewelry industry.

Sustainable Business Practices & Protecting the Environment

At Melissa Joy Manning, Inc., the jewelry they create is inspired by and created from nature, making them even more of the environmental impact of every step of creation. In their own jewelry facility they recycle their metal scraps and waste, employ water and energy conservation techniques, and are very conscious about their pollution prevention procedures.

In their office they use energy-efficient light bulbs, ‘green’ cleaning products, recycle packaging and paper, and have water efficient toilets. They realize that every small change can have a large impact, and are constantly striving to improve their business practices to become more conscious and environmentally-friendly.

Melissa Joy Manning, Inc. is a ‘Green Certified’ business, certified by the Alameda County Green Business Program in California where there headquarters are located.

Contributing to the Community Through Charity

As a conscious, sustainable jewelry designer, they also support the larger community by providing monetary contributions, sponsorships, designing jewelry for specific causes, and donating raw materials and finished products to charities. These monetary and product contributions help to support non-profit organizations that are focused on the arts, environment, education, entrepreneurship, and community and economic development. Over the years, they have actively contributed to organizations such as Too Precious To Wear, Girls For A Change, Dress for Success, Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA), Teens with a Dream, Pacific Community Ventures, and the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

Conscious Business Practices

Being a conscious business is important to this successful jewelry company. From supporting local metal smiths, giving to philanthropic causes, employing green businesses practices, and designing and manufacturing sustainable jewelry, Melissa Joy Manning, Inc. are doing their part to ensure that the jewelry industry is being held responsible for their mining, refining and manufacturing processes.