Ocean positivity

Ocean

POSITIVITY

Fourth Element strive to find solutions for the future, rather than dwell on mistakes from the past.

RIGHT A local clean up dive to remove plastic from our oceans

 BELOW Environmentally conscious products with high performance It can be hard to fi nd light when we are exposed to daily messages about the impact we are having on our planet, causing such damage to the environment and wildlife. Be it climate change, plastic pollution, over fi shing or deforestation, the list of our wrongdoings seems endless. The philosophy at fourth element leads the team to take a different track. They aren’t here to berate the purchases of single use plastic items or to bemoan the poor choices humans have made, but rather believe in celebrating the actions being taken that have a positive impact to reverse the damage already done. As a business in Cornwall mainly comprised of divers, freedivers and swimmers, fourth element sees the impact on the ocean fi rst hand and this creates a stronger motivation to make a difference. The aim, is to work alongside, and support, the incredible people and businesses that are making positive changes to our oceans’ health. The ceanPositive concept was born when fourth element started making swimwear out of recycled nylon, regenerated from ghost fi shing nets and other waste. ow, they include many other products made from a range of recycled materials, using earth friendly production techni ues and reducing the carbon footprint. By the end of 0 , the team will have completely eliminated single use plastic from all packaging This year they’ve expanded the ceanPositive movement to be more encompassing of wider issues ones where they can make change themselves and others where they can lend their support to projects with similar aims. ourth lement has also pledged its support for Dive Project Cornwall, a new scheme that aims to involve more school children in diving, exposing them to the incredible underwater world we have right on our doorstep, thus creating a connection between them and the ocean. It is an innovative and effective way of educating the next generation of the importance of a healthy marine environment, as well as encouraging a responsibility to protect it which of course is critical for the future of our planet. ourth lement encourages all businesses to do what they can to support this exciting and uni ue project.

The way that this business is run, the projects it supports along the way, and the long lasting, high performance products that the team make are intended to enable you to enjoy the water even more, giving us all something to feel positive about. ow is the time to get out there and immerse yourself in the deepest blue opportunity to make a difference for the better.

ourth lement has also pledged its support for Dive Project Cornwall, a new scheme that aims to involve more school children in diving, exposing them to the incredible underwater world we

FOURTH ELEMENT

01326 574745 info@ fourthelement.com fourthelement.com/oceanpositive Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk  ABOVE Swimwear made from recycled nylon regenerated from ghost fishing nets

 BELOW Wetsuits made from recycled and sustainable materials

THE HEART OF alchemyAn ancient art form brought to life in the hands of talented artist, Mel Chambers.

 ABOVE Hand-carved tiles using an ancient technique to create unique results. A lchemy Tiles brings back to life the thousand-year-old craft of inlay tiles, with each one individually carved with inspiring poetry, quotes and images by Mel’s own hand. As one of the only creative tile makers in the UK still using the ancient 13th century technique of hand carving and inlay, her work has become exclusively unique. Her bespoke interior design in the form of individually created tiles has provided an opportunity for customers to have something created just for them, each piece personal and from the heart.

Her innovation and unique skills have not gone unnoticed, and despite the challenges that this last year has presented, Mel Chambers of Alchemy Tiles is delighted to have been named ‘Best Hand-Crafted Tile Company’ for 2020. She is the proud winner of the SME Southern Enterprise Awards for extensive expertise and skills, dedication to customer service and client satisfaction with an on-going commitment to excellence and innovation. What’s more, she’s been nominated again for 2021! “Keeping this ancient tradition and craft alive and taking it to new heights is what gets me out of bed in the mornings and creating beautiful pieces and bespoke interiors is what makes my heart sing,” says Mel.

Mel was trained in the techniques by Iris Milward of Poetry Tiles just before she retired in 2013, and has gone on not only to keep the ancient technique alive, but to develop it further in new colours and designs, specialising in bespoke kitchens, bathrooms and fi replaces. As part of her ethical and sustainable practice, a new opportunity has been created to use her craft as a force for good. She has developed several exclusive ranges for various Cornish conservation projects and charities, donating all the profi ts to each cause. Plant One, Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue and Cornish Black Bees are just some of the projects she is working with, and she’ll be launching these pieces at her annual exhibition in Port Navas from 27th to 30th August this summer.

The heart of Alchemy Tiles is about you, the customer, and creating something that is not only personal, but that stands the test of time. By keeping this magical ancient craft alive and using it as a force for good, Alchemy Tiles continues to have people and the planet at the heart of everything it creates.

ALCHEMY TILES

The Studio, Goldmartin Garage, Sampys Hill, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5EW 07768 193848 info@melchambers.com www.alchemytiles.com Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk ABOVE Words from the heart

BELOW Mel Chambers