How To Be Eco-Friendly When Creating Artwork
For many of us, the Covid19-induced lockdown has been a time to unwind, relax and rejuvenate. Never before in our busy lives have so many of us gotten the time to indulge in the art forms we bid goodbye to when we grew up! As a result many of us have suddenly taken to sketching, doodling and painting.
Somehow, when we think about producing art, we tend to go overboard and buy a heap of pretty stationery, imported paints, brushes, pens, mediums, and a whole assortment of knick-knacks. Sustainability goals are discarded as easily as a bunch of onion peels in the compost! The truth is that art comes with its own carbon footprint.
For example, much of the art supplies available today contain toxic chemicals that can be extremely detrimental to both human beings and the environment. Not to mention the disposable packaging that contains such supplies. Even paper requires a large amount of bleaching and whitening treatment. Sketch pens, glitter pens and other fancy supplies are much worse, of course.
While making art can certainly be good for the soul, it can also be damaging to our soil and surface if we’re not mindful. Creating “carelessly” can not only be wasteful, but super toxic to both artists and their surroundings. But there are ways to make art with minimal harm to the environment.
Below are five common tools and materials used to create art with suggestions for eco-friendly alternatives.
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Surfaces
Whether you create on paper or canvas, opt for substances (like hemp, flax or bamboo) that are recycled, organically-sourced and/or chemical-free. And if it’s wood that’s serving as your surface, or even as the hidden stretcher bars behind your canvas creations, look for a certification from the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) since the non-profit promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests.
Lastly, you can kick your eco-sensitivity (and creativity) up yet another notch by using scrapped and discarded materials—like fabrics, furniture, or even your former failed works—as a brand new surface, as well.
Paintbrushes
The filaments in a paintbrush can be either natural or synthetic. Synthetic filaments are composed of polyester, nylon or a blend of the two. With animal hair used in the brushes, there is a potential for unethical farming. Alternatives to plastic filaments and animal hair are corn and bamboo fibres.
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Paint
During the drying process of most paints (including spray paint), volatile organic compounds (VOC) are released which are harmful to the environment. Exposure to these VOCs can also lead to respiratory illnesses.
Try using paint that are made of organics ingredients and do not contain any preservatives, heavy metals, toxic solvents or plastic.
Pencils
Many pencils use binding agents and additives so it is imperative to find sets that are sustainable. Most often, the wood used in conventional pencils is not sustainably sourced either.
This is tackled by using recycled paper instead of wood. There are also pencils available that contain seeds on the tip that can be planted after use.
Paper
The entire process of producing paper is damaging to the environment. This includes the loss of trees that suck up carbon dioxide to the release of methane after the paper is discarded in landfills. Therefore, it is best to use a substitute paper or better yet, recycled paper.
Palettes
Although there are many varieties of palettes including wood, plastic and ceramic, the most eco-friendly is either FSC certified plywood or Balsa wood which is sourced from sustainably managed forests. Wooden palettes are the most popular but it is essential to confirm it has been certified.
Another solution to this could be to remove the use of palettes altogether and instead use fabric or any flat surface for the paint. Using palettes that are sold in charity shops can also help as they have already been produced.
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Image | Leenaert’s artful lamps | Pinterest
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