Keeping an Eco-Friendly Studio

This post supplements my video: Eco-Friendly Practices and Painting Project 

Most human activity produces an element of waste, and art practices are no different. Unless you are making something entirely out of biodegradable land matter, you are probably accruing waste in some way as an artist. 

This is a moral dilemma that I am frequently asked to comment on. My responses are:

1. Make things that you feel called to make. If we stop ourselves from creating we may end up inflicting more harm in other ways – on ourselves, our loved ones, social harm, etc...

2. Is there something you can limit in other aspects of my life such as: less driving, restricted air travel (no problem these days), less meat, buying used things, etc.?

3. Consider how much waste the fashion industry produces and then ask yourself if your little studio is really the problem? Choose your battles. Support organizations that are working to eliminate waste and harmful practices, or support businesses that are working for cleaner resources and energy.

With all that said, there are actions that every person with a studio can do to cut back on the waste that goes out into the world. Together the impact of these practices will have a cumulative effect.

1. Health-safe products are often also eco-friendly products.

• Look for labels that state: renewable materials, natural dyes, recycled content and packaging, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, and no-to-low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Look for the AP(Approved Product)  or CP (Certified Product)  seal as determined by the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI).

• When possible, avoid products with a warning label of any kind

• Limit your use of petroleum products, aerosols, solvents and "fumey" things like rubber cement glue or spray paint. Alcohol- and solvent-based markers are more fumey and toxic. Both of which are often marked “permanent” or “waterproof." Look for water-based markers with an AP label.

• Avoid toxic pigments like cadmiums, chromium arsenic or lead. Purchase paint that says "hue" on the label because a hue means it is an imitation of the original pigment and is generally less toxic (and less expensive.) It's wise to assume all your pigments are toxic and treat them as such.

• Glitter is so fun! Unfortunately it's not great for the environment. Use up what you have and try biodegradable glitter, or mica in the future.

• Check out Earth Pigments for less toxic products and mica powders.

2. Avoid washing pigments and paint down the drain. Let water containers sit for a day or two before dumping them. You might be able to re-use the water in a different container.That way the pigment will settle and you can wipe that away instead of throwing it down the drain. Do the same for solvents you use for oil painting. Let paint containers dry out before disposing them. This prevents chemicals from getting in the ground water.
An even better practice is to collect all your sludge and used paper napkins and dispose of them at the local chemical waste collection site. Here's a good article to refer to: Avoid Harming yourself and the Environment.

Here's a link for avoiding waste when you clean your paintbrushes.

3. Purchase used art materials and/or give away art supplies you might otherwise throw out. Contact local schools or organizations to donate your materials. Feel free to contact me and I'll help you find a place to put them.

4. As much as possible use materials made out of recycled materials such as paper, brushes, canvas, etc. Also, save scraps for use in something else. Repurpose non-toxic household items such as instant coffee, burned sticks from the fireplace, your old makeup, food coloring, dirt, sugar, glue, etc. Reuse things like magazines, gift wrap, calendars, books, old socks or tees for rags, plastic containers for water and mixing paints, etc..

5. Acrylic paint is made with polymers which is why it's so fun and lasts forever. It's safer than oil paint, but still does not biodegrade easily.  You might try adding egg yolks to extend your paint, or incorporate other water-based paint.

6. Use up your materials with each studio session. The longer you leave paint out, the more likely it is to dry up and go to waste. Clean your brushes right away.

7. Purchase less. Give yourself a challenge to not buy anything new for 3 months. etc. Limitations make interesting art.

8. Ultimately give yourself a break and use things that make you happy. 

Do you have an eco-friendly tip? Let us know in the comments!

Read more:
Are Your Art Supplies Toxic?
Art is Beautiful. It could Also kill You. 7 Deadly Art Materials to Watch Out For.
10 Artists Working in Recycled Art
Jimmy Lee Suduth

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