Creative Pathways for Earthenware Waste Management

Mrinal Jawalekar

Abstract: Pottery is one of the most ancient, creative and unique arts of India, with several different styles scattered throughout the country. The art of pottery is both historically and culturally significant as well as very eco-friendly for the environment. One of the most unique trends nowadays is cooking meals in aesthetic earthen pots and pans and enjoying the unique taste they bequeath the meal (Varma and Menon, 2017). This study aims, i) to explore the same historical and cultural significance of pottery as both a craft and utilitarian product, ii) to document the ethnographic practices of pottery making across different communities and states of India, iii) it aims to identify the major sources of waste generated during earthenware production and usage. The research also aims iv) to propose a sustainable system design for minimizing, controlling, reducing and recycling pottery waste. The research methodology incorporated in this study is a qualitative analysis approach where insights gained through contextual enquiries combined with literature reviews, ensure a deeper and fundamental understanding of waste generated during production, manufacturing, sale and usage of pottery products (HR Dilka Anjani Priyantha and JA Supun Lakruwan, 2025). The collected data from the primary research includes one-on-one interactions and interviews with over 20 individuals from five different corporations where they share their insights regarding the production and manufacturing process and the shipping process of earthen pottery products, and what areas they feel should be improved for the convenience of the producers, sellers and consumers. The literature reviews of different studies and case studies give an approximate understanding of how processes are handled and brought into practice by authorities as well as the citizens (IJNRD, 2024). This data leads us to findings where it is clearly seen that most of the people in charge of waste management in different small shops, cafes and restaurants need to be educated in a basic understanding of the waste segregation process (Singh R & Sharma P, 2023). Whereas, it is observed and understood that the people of rural areas and their practices are much more advanced and feasible in terms of sustainability and eco-friendliness (Reviving Traditional Earthenware Cooking, 2023). The implementation of the proposed solutions can largely help in increasing the profits gained by the artisans of pottery. Even though pottery production does not generate waste which is significant in number or harmful to the environment, if the small amount of waste generated is recycled and reused, it can help artisans to gain more profits. Similarly, implementation of the sustainable and eco-friendly practices of the rural areas on a large scale in the urban areas can collectively contribute to bring about a major change in the environment as well as help in effectively managing the waste generated during the process of production to usage of earthen pottery products (Harush et al., 2025).

Keywords: Pottery Artisans, Sustainable Framework, Waste Management, System Design

How to Cite?: Mrinal Jawalekar, "Creative Pathways for Earthenware Waste Management", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 649-655, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251103175405, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251103175405