For artists, there are many factors to consider when it comes to sustainability. 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.
Below are five common tools and materials used to create art with suggestions for eco-friendly alternatives.
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. Natural Earth Paint’s paintbrushes feature corn bristles with a bamboo handle and ferules mare of recycled aluminum.
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.
The paints offered by Natural Earth Paint 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. Pepaa uses newspapers to replace the wood.
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.
EcoPaper sells banana paper and copy paper made up of sugar cane waste which is also chlorine-free. Their manufacturing process is sustainable and eco-friendly.
Organic, soy ink compatible paper from French Paper is produced from mills using 100% renewable hydroelectric generators.
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 (available at Balsa Central).
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.
