6 Sustainable Art Practices: Eco-Friendly Tips for Earth-Conscious Art Making

---

As artists and good global citizens, we recognize the growing need to do what we can to protect and restore the health of our planet. Sustainable art practices can help. Here are six simple ideas to help make your art practice greener.

1: Embrace natural light.

As much as possible, take advantage of daylight hours to paint with the light coming through a window. Relying more on natural light will reduce energy consumption, saving you money on your electricity bill while also helping the environment. When you need lighting, consider energy-efficient bulbs like CFL and LED options.

2: Properly dispose of materials

Never pour art products that contain hazardous materials down the drain or discard them in garbage or recycling bins. Improper disposal of art supplies can lead to contamination of the water supply and soil. To dispose of toxic materials, use an appropriate container and then carry the waste to your nearest hazardous disposal site.

3: Go digital.

Switching from print to digital saves paper. I used to have print versions of my magazines and newspapers delivered to my mailbox. Then I realized it was creating unnecessary waste. Now I’ve moved more and more to digital options, which I read conveniently on my computer or smartphone.

4: Donate and reuse.

If you have usable supplies lying around that you no longer want or need, give them to an artist who could use them or donate them to a nonprofit organization that offers art programming. Save remnants of materials that can be recycled or reused, such as those tiny pieces of pastel sticks. When you have enough, they can be recycled into new sticks. Also, don’t throw out those unwanted, unsuccessful paintings; often, you can paint directly over them.

5: Read labels.

Buy environmentally friendly art materials whenever possible. Take advantage of any nontoxic alternatives and eco-friendly options, such as biodegradable and compostable paper towels.

This label on a set of Derwent compressed charcoal shows the Recycle, 95% Recycled Product and ACMI labels. When you see the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) seal of approval on a box, it means that the product is certified nontoxic.

6: Buy local.

Making an effort to buy from local art suppliers is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint by reducing long-haul and overseas deliveries, cutting down on fuel consumption and air pollution. For supplies that must be ordered, select packaging options that limit the number of deliveries and patronize companies that you know are concerned about environmental protections.

---

About the Author

Yael Maimon is an award-winning Israeli artist. Her Cats painting series has earned her international recognition. She frequently writes for Pastel Journal, where this article originally appeared, and was the juror for our First Annual Best in Show Pets Art Competition.