What does eco-friendly metal mean?

We use 100% recycled metal for all of our jewelry, with the exception of some chain components. Recycled metals share the beauty of mined precious metals but are recycled and eco-friendly. Production of one gold ring from non recycled sources will generate five tons of environmental waste, contaminating water and lands which endangers the health and lives of humans and animals. All precious metals at the refinery that we buy from are recycled from non-mined sources, such as reclaimed jewelry, silverware, precious metal coins, and scrap. They do not buy any metal from mining companies.