pottery sustainable practices: how to dispose of clay water in your at-home pottery studio

introduction: have you ever wondered how to responsibly and efficiently dispose of clay water in your home pottery studio?

welcome to the world of at-home pottery, a space where creativity meets practicality. as you embrace this wonderful hobby, it is important to consider one of the less glamorous, but essential aspects of pottery: disposing of clay water. in this post, we will explore effective and environmentally friendly ways to manage clay water in your home studio.

understanding the issue

clay water, or "slip," is the murky water that results from working with clay. while it might seem harmless, disposing of it improperly can lead to clogged pipes and environmental hazards. the key is to separate the water from the clay particles before disposal.

method 1: settling and separating (the preferred method)

1. collect the clay water: use a large container to collect clay water. a 5-gallon bucket works well for this. I prefer buckets with screw-on, airtight lids.

2. sieve the clay: this works best if you have two buckets: one with the original clay water, and a second empty bucket. pour the original clay water over a fine-mesh sieve into the second bucket. I prefer larger sieves that have a rim or a more rounded basket to keep the clay particles from spilling over the edge of the sieve.

3. allow settling: let the bucket sit undisturbed for a few hours or overnight. the clay particles will settle to the bottom, leaving clearer water on top.

4. separate the clear water: pouring off the water into another bucket is one option, but each time you tilt the bucket, you will disturb the clay particles and have to let the bucket settle again before pouring off more water. a more effective option is to use an XL syringe with a tube attachment to draw the undisturbed water off the top of the settled clay, then empty the syringe into a clean, empty bucket.

5. reuse the clay: the remaining clay at the bottom can be dried to be reused. you can spread it on a plasterboard or a standard, white drywall patch to dry and re-wedge. for the not-so-novice potters who are not deterred by words like "flocculation and deflocculation", you can turn it into a casting slip. take it one further, and you can even make your own plaster molds for slipcasting.

using clay water for watering plants: a sustainable twist to pottery

did you know that the clay water from your pottery projects can be repurposed in your garden? it is a sustainable and resourceful way to make the most out of your pottery process, especially if you are conscious about waste reduction. here is how you can use clay water to benefit your plants:

benefits to plants

1. nutrient-rich water: clay often contains minerals that are beneficial to plant growth. when you use clay water for plants, these nutrients get directly absorbed by the soil.

2. improved soil structure: the fine particles in clay water can help improve soil structure, especially in sandy soils, by increasing water retention and nutrient availability.

how to use clay water for plants

1. settle and dilute: allow the clay to settle at the bottom of your container. then, remove the water from the top with the XL syringe mentioned earlier, making sure the water is not too murky and that you do not disturb the settled clay in the process. you may need to add more water to dilute it. from the syringe, empty it straight into your watering can!

2. test with a few plants: before using it widely, test the clay water on a few plants to ensure it does not adversely affect them. some plants are more sensitive to changes in soil composition than others.

3. avoid overwatering: just like with regular water, be mindful of overwatering. use the clay water as part of your regular watering routine.

4. monitor plant health: keep an eye on your plants for any signs of distress or significant positive changes. adjust your use of clay water accordingly.

a word of caution

• not for all plants: clay water might not be suitable for all plant types, especially those requiring well-draining soil conditions, like succulents or cacti.

• avoid using contaminated clay water: if your clay contains any non-organic additives or you have used chemicals in your pottery process, do not use this water for plants. an example would be the use of mason stains in your process, like the ones used in the body of this vase, or glaze of any kind. glazes can contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, chromium, and others that are toxic to plants and can contaminate the soil. these metals can be absorbed by the plant's roots and accumulate in the tissues, potentially entering the food chain if the plants are edible. while glazes are beautiful, e.g. the one used on this vase, leftover glaze water is not good for plants or the environment. I will discuss this topic and good glaze water disposal practices in a later blog post.

• beware increased water retention: clay particles in the water can enhance the soil's ability to retain moisture. this is especially true for sandy soils, which naturally have lower water retention. the fine particles of clay fill in the gaps between sand particles, reducing the soil's drainage rate.

• reduce frequency of watering: due to the increased water retention, you might find that the soil stays moist for longer periods. this could mean that you need to water the plants less frequently to avoid overwatering and the risk of root rot.

conclusion

by using clay water in your garden, you are not just disposing of it in an eco-friendly way, but you are also giving your plants a nutrient boost. it is a win-win for pottery enthusiasts who love gardening and are looking for sustainable practices in their craft.

method 2: evaporation (the least preferred option)

1. shallow trays: spread the clay water in shallow trays or pans.

2. allow to evaporate: place these trays in a well-ventilated area (preferably outdoors if your climate allows it). the water will evaporate, leaving the clay behind.

3. reclaim the dried clay: once completely dry, the clay can be reclaimed. reclaiming clay is an entire blogpost in itself. I will follow up with a blog post this week about reclaiming clay.

method 3: use a clay trap (the method that costs the most)

1. install a clay trap: a clay trap can be installed under your sink to catch clay particles.

2. regular maintenance: regularly clean out the trap to prevent clogging and dispose of the contents. you can watch a how-to video for installation here and cleaning here.

3. less cost-efficient: unless you have a designated "clay only" sink, the clay in the clay trap of your standard sink is likely too contaminated with other particles to reclaim. if you are not as handy, you may also need to hire someone to install the trap for you (which also costs money). if money is not an object, there is also this incredible invention which is an all-in-one clay sink (I would personally love to own one).

tips and best practices

• never pour clay water down the drain without a clay trap: it can cause severe clogging and plumbing issues.

• recycling clay: always consider recycling your clay. it is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective.

• community disposal programs: some communities offer disposal programs for non-organic materials like clay. check with your local waste management services.

• educate yourself: learn about the environmental impact of your craft and stay informed about best practices.

conclusion

disposing of clay water in your at-home pottery studio requires a bit of effort, but it is a crucial part of responsible crafting. by adopting these methods, you not only protect your plumbing but also contribute to environmental conservation. happy potting, and remember, every small step towards sustainability counts in your artistic journey!