My Findings on Body Art and Modification

These days it seems being Eco friendly or “green” is more popular than ever. From automobiles to home improvement there are ways of going green in almost every part of life. Organic jewelry is nothing new, jewelry first started as organic in ancient times and tribes. But now has caught on outside the tribal world.

For those with piercings, especially gauged ears, looking for a greener alternative than using steel there are lots of unique, creative options. Organic plugs are widely available and made out of a variety of different materials, such as bamboo, wood, amber, bone, tusk, horn and stone, but most often wood, bone or stone. Organic body jewelry is also available in hangers, labrets, septum's, spirals, and probably more.



Like with any way of going green there are pros and cons involved. Organic jewelry allows your skin to breathe unlike metal jewelry. Also, it is good for the fistula, the tube of skin inside the body that connects the two holes of the piercing. It allows the fistula grow thicker making it stronger and stay cleaner and not get gunked up. Also, the jewelry tends to be more original than regular metal or plastic jewelry. And, of course it is organic and natural.



Then there are the cons of organic jewelry. First, it is much more fragile and prone to breaking. It can easily crack, warp, and weaken especially if in high heat. It can trap bacteria which can sometimes, but not often, lead to infections. The jewelry is also very sensitive to chemicals, disinfecting may be rough.

Then there is the ethical debate of the jewelry. Some of the materials come from endangered animals, such as tusks and horns. Should these be taken for jewelry purposes?




All Images from http://www.organicjewelry.com/