Five Sustainable Habits You Should Adopt To Become An Eco-Friendly Artist

While creating art nurtures the soul, it can also cause damage to the soil— if the artists are not mindful.

 Almost every artist desires to be a good and responsible caretaker of the planet. They aim to reduce their carbon footprint by employing thoughtful approaches and eco-friendly art supplies. But it is much easier to use the buzzwords — like organic, sustainable, natural, and Fair Trade — than procuring “responsibly sourced” professional-quality art supplies that can help artists to achieve perfection while nurturing their studio practice. If you are aiming to emerge as an eco-friendly artist, here are some sustainable habits you should consider swearing by.

Switch to eco-friendly paints.

Acrylic paints and oil paints have many environmental downsides. Oil paints are not water-soluble; therefore, turpentine or toxic paint thinners are needed to clean the paint brushes after use. Similarly, several acrylic paints are procured from a harmful polymer that is petroleum-based, much like plastic, and washing them down the drain can be hazardous to the environment. Instead, switch to watercolors because this medium is the least hazardous to the environment.

Choose eco-friendly paint brushes

Paintbrushes are available in different sizes and shapes. The softer brushes are used for watercolors, and the stiffer ones are ideally used for acrylics and oils. There are plenty of choices to pick from, based on your need, and you should consider opting for cruelty-free or synthetic options that are made of nylon.

Opt for recyclable surfaces

Whether you create art on canvas or paper, consider opting for eco-friendly substances like flax, bamboo, or hemp because they are sourced organically, are free of chemicals, and can be recycled. You can also notch up your eco-sensitivity by using discarded and scrapped materials—like furniture, fabrics, and even your previous failed artworks—as a new surface to create art.

Dispose of your art materials responsibly

Improperly disposed of art materials can end up in soil and sewer lines, posing environmental risks. First, avoid rinsing the pigments into the sink—to prevent the sink from clogging, wasting water, and releasing toxic chemicals into the sewer line. Instead, rinse your paintbrushes in a turpentine-free and non-toxic citrus-based solvent. You may also wipe clean your paint brushes with oils—like safflower, spike lavender, or linseed—before using water and soap.

Recycle

Once you are done using your paint tins and tubes, containers, and cans, consider recycling them just as you would do with other harmful plastic items. You can also opt for sustainable canvases—made from recycled materials.

Let your art meet the environment with these sustainable painting approaches.