Perhaps you’re like me, burning the candle at both ends with two main loves—making art that mesmerises and saves this sweet blue planet. Let’s face it—there is nothing green about the art corner! Brushes, paints, and papers are not always eco-friendly. But we have good news! Step into the world of environmentally friendly art supplies fearlessly because it is less intimidating than you thought.
Why go Green?
To start with, it is important that we understand why it is important to employ green art supplies. The answer is simple: most traditional arts have unsafe substances and chemicals, including lead, mercury and xylene, which, when released into the environment, severely affect man and the environment. With such a depiction, do you ever feel like you would faint after painting a complicated picture? Yes, the fumes that they release are very dangerous and destructive naturally. Moreover, concrete and conventional materials cause pollution on the global level due to large amounts of trash. For this reason, booting an eco-friendly option also equals reduced pollutant levels, reduced garbage load and a healthier environment.
Let’s talk about paints
Paints are a biggie. They cause problems such as contamination and contain toxic elements like cadmium and lead. Yuck. Fortunately, we can use many amazing reusable items instead of the endless stream of disposables we are surrounded by. Limit yourself to paints that aren’t toxic to humans and animals, are readily biodegradable, or are made from natural organic compounds.
Watercolours
Watercolours are a perfect place to start with. Companies such as Daniel Smith and M. Graham founded their watercolours around natural pigments and plant materials. It is colourful, lasts long, and is chemically friendlier to the Earth. And do you know what is even more amusing? They come in those adorable metal tubes that are simply recycled.
Acrylics
For the acrylic lovers, Golden Open Acrylics and Nova Color are stellar choices. They’ve ditched the harsh chemicals and still deliver those rich, buttery textures we adore. They also come in eco-friendly packaging. Winning!
Oils
When it comes to oil paints, you must watch out for certain solvents, like turpentine, used in traditional ones because they can be tricky. But don’t worry! M. Graham’s oil paints use walnut oil instead of linseed oil, reducing the need for solvents. They’re smooth, Earth-friendly, and sweet-smelling.
Brushes and Tools
Oh, the brushes. I could talk about brushes all day. Synthetic brushes are generally a more eco-friendly choice than animal hair brushes. Look for brands that use recycled materials or sustainably harvested wood for their handles.
Da Vinci Brush Co’s Vegan Brush Line is amazing! These synthetic bristles have the same snap and feel as natural hair ones. Besides, they are long-lasting and do not contain animal products. Another good brand includes the Princeton Neptune series, which gives similar results, such as using squirrel hair without harming little critters.
In addition, we need not forget the palettes and knives many artists use when painting. Bamboo palettes are an excellent eco-friendly choice. Bamboo grows so fast that it is a renewable resource, while palette knives should be made of stainless steel to last long without rusting and be easy to clean.
Papers and Canvas
Paper is another big area, too. Making traditional papers leads to a lot of waste, leading to deforestation. But fear not, tree-huggers; there are green alternatives!
Look for paper labelled as recycled or FSC-certified. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests. Brands like Strathmore and Legion offer high-quality recycled papers perfect for drawing, painting, and printmaking.
For canvases, consider cotton—or hemp-based papers. These are good eco-friendly canvases. However, they are both renewable sources of fibre and emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during production than cotton stalks when burnt.
Inks and Markers
However, inks and markers can be some of the most dangerous art materials. This shouldn’t worry you; there are greener options in this case and other various inks if you check in Google.
Natural inks made from plant dyes are a fantastic choice. Natural Earth Paint’s inks are made from natural and non-toxic pigments.
For markers, Tombow and Faber-Castell offer water-based, non-toxic options. They’re vibrant, blend beautifully, and won’t fill your workspace with chemical fumes
Varnishes and Sealers
Finally, let’s discuss those finishing touches. Traditional varnish paint finishes can contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which harm the human body and the environment.
Water-based varnishes are the best. Gamvar, with low VOCs, is a great choice. As far as Sealers are concerned, Eco-House makes a non-toxic sealer. Although it’s expensive, a minimal quantity goes a long way.
Shopping at Artist Material
So we know all about these beautiful green goods now. Where can they be found? If you live in the UK, Artist Material would be our number one pick when looking for online sustainable or environmentally friendly art supply stores. They have various products catered to every kind of artist imaginable, including painters’ supplies such as paints and brushes or sculptors’ tools, depending on the type used by individuals.
Isn’t Artist Material Website Just Awesome?
One thing that impressed me most about the Artist Material’s website was its commitment to sustainable Internet marketing practices and ethical consumer behaviour. Excellent customer service and easy-to-use site navigation tools also made me love this place more! It was fun viewing their sections devoted exclusively to eco-friendly items; my trolley quickly filled up!
What They Offer and Perks of Shopping Here
They offer eco-friendly paints that are non-toxic and biodegradable. They also have a variety of sustainable brushes—synthetic and vegan—that feel like natural hair. Their range includes green papers, hemp canvases, and non-toxic inks and markers, a must-have in any eco-conscious artist’s toolkit. And to finish your masterpiece, using their safe varnishes and sealers would give you peace of mind.
The perks of shopping here are many. They make it easy to find eco-friendly supplies and provide ample information on why each product is a green choice. They also often have deals and discounts, so you can buy all your favourites without burning a hole in your pocket.
Conclusion: A Greener Palette
Going green with your art supplies might seem like a small step, but it’s part of the bigger picture. By choosing eco-friendly materials, you’re contributing to a healthier planet and a safer art space. Plus, it feels good to know your art isn’t harming the earth, right?
Happy creating, eco-warriors! Let’s keep our palettes green and our planet beautiful. If you have any tips or favourite eco-friendly brands, drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
Matthew is a seasoned researcher and writer with over five years of experience creating engaging SEO content. He is passionate about exploring new ideas and sharing his knowledge through writing. Matthew has a keen eye for detail and takes pride in producing content that is not only informative but also visually appealing. He constantly expands his skill set and stays up-to-date with the latest SEO trends to ensure that his content always performs well in search rankings. Matthew can be found reading, surfing, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen when he’s not writing.