# 5 Environment-Friendly Practices For Artists

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/5-environment-friendly-practices-for-artists/
- Published: 2021-06-18T12:57:57-04:00
- Author: Eillin Delapaz

# Environmental degradation is one of the most pressing urban problems today.

Unfortunately, most of us have left the responsibility of safeguarding the environment
to activists. However, the fault lies in all of us. If everyone played their role
by adopting environment-friendly [practices](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/legendary-hulk-artist-unleashes-new-green-eco-monster/),
we’d make more significant strides in curbing this problem. However, for some people,
the dos and don’ts aren’t clear. 

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/image2-1-1.png?
resize=751%2C501&quality=50&ssl=1 "image2 (1) - The Green Living Guy")

For instance, as a new artist, you may not know which practices to adopt to become
an eco-friendly artist. You’re not alone. Many artists, including established professionals,
struggle with this. That’s where we come in. We’ve shared five eco-friendly practices
for artists that will go a long way in helping you take a stand in safeguarding 
the environment. Let’s get this show on the road.

## 1. Learn Eco Friendly Art Marketing Practices

[Art marketing](https://theworkingartist.com/art-marketing/) is a crucial part of
becoming a successful artist because people need to see your work to purchase. Besides,
you need to keep building your brand to open new doors of opportunities in your 
career. In most cases, artists prefer holding events to get prospective buyers and
investors into their world.

If you want to be an environmentally conscious artist, this is one of the areas 
you should prioritize eco-friendly choices. Some of the best [eco friendly art marketing practices](https://artbizsuccess.com/eco-friendly-art-marketing/)
include:

 * Using biodegradable envelopes
 * Sending e-invites instead of paper invitations
 * Reusing [packaging materials](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/12/pittsburghs-frick-environmental-center-achieves-prestigious-living-building-challenge-certification/)
   for shipping art
 * Using [business](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/09/8-ways-your-family-can-be-more-eco-friendly/)
   cards made of biodegradable materials like 

## 2. Use Ethically Sourced Brushes

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/image4-1.png?
resize=780%2C440&quality=50&ssl=1 "image4 - The Green Living Guy")

Artists prefer brushes made using animal hair. These types of brushes are believed
to yield better results and have established their credibility in the market. However,
using these types of brushes does more harm than good for the environment. Not to
mention, it encourages animal cruelty.

A better alternative would be to opt for high-quality synthetic brushes. Today, 
you can get quality brushes made from synthetic materials that give you similar 
results as you would get from a brush made using animal hair. You may have to test
out a few brushes to find the best one, but it will be worth it.

## 3. Dispose of Art Waste Properly

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/unnamed.png?
resize=512%2C341&quality=50&ssl=1 "unnamed - The Green Living Guy")

You’ll probably need a lot of materials to create a masterpiece. Most of these materials
are known to end up in landfills and sip slowly into the ground. It’s crucial to
ensure you have proper waste disposal practices to prevent this from happening. 
The following practices will go a long way in reducing the amount of [waste your studio emits into the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/u-s-epa-fines-tucson-facility-30000-for-hazardous-waste-violations/).

 * Wiping down brushes before rinsing: Doing this reduces the amount of paint and
   chemicals in water bodies.
 * Dispose of acrylics in solid form: When the paint is solidified, it forms a film
   that locks in the pigments, preventing them from slipping into the ground or 
   water bodies.
 * Dispose of empty containers in the trash
 * Avoid pouring hazardous water down the drain
 * Take toxic chemicals to licensed landfills

## 4. Recycle and Upcycle Materials

[Sustainability entails conserving](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/03/media-lab-making-citycar/)
an ecological balance by preventing the depletion of natural resources. The best
way to do this as an artist is to recycle and upcycle materials. For instance, instead
of using a new canvas each time, you can reuse an old canvas by applying gesso on
it.

If you’re an experimental artist, use materials like wood, household items, papers,
cardboard, and other items that would have otherwise been disposed of to [create your art pieces](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/artist-keri-rosebraugh-creates-20-foot-sign-for-storefront-with-6000-pieces-of-repurposed-trash/).
You can also ask your friends and neighbors to share these items with you instead
of disposing of them so that you can have enough supplies for your masterpiece. 
Most importantly, you’ll be reducing waste and taking steps to safeguard the environment.

## 5. Use Eco-Friendly Colors and Solvents

Contrary to popular belief, colors don’t have to be cadmium to be vibrant. Cadmium
is a toxic chemical that can sip into the ground and contaminate water bodies if
not correctly disposed of. So, if you want to create sustainable art, the first 
step is being mindful of the materials you use.

![5 environment friendly practices for artists](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/image3-1.png?resize=780%2C439&quality=50&ssl=1 "5
Environment-Friendly Practices For Artists - The Green Living Guy")

Today, manufacturers make [eco-friendly colors](https://www.grazia.co.in/lifestyle/sustainable-art-environment-friendly-practices-for-artists-6330-2.html)
using non-toxic materials that give you the vibrant effects every artist seeks. 
You should also consider using colors made using plant pigments. This choice of 
colors helps you take a stand against animal cruelty.

The type of solvents you also use matters. Ensure your solvents are toxin-free and
environmentally friendly. Avoid oil paints, mineral spirits, and turpentine if you
can get eco-friendly options. These solvents have toxic chemicals that sip into 
landfills and contaminate water bodies if not well disposed of. Again, you may have
to try a few products to see what works best for you. Read reviews and get recommendations
from eco-conscious artists.

## Wrapping Up

Although sustainability involves conscious efforts from the manufacturing to the
consumption stage, you can take a stand as an individual. Go for eco-friendly art
supplies, dispose of your [waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/environmental-benefits-of-proper-waste-management/)
properly, and find ways to recycle and upcycle to minimize waste.

When you’re doing it, it may not seem like much. However, your audience will pick
up on your practices, and it has the potential to ignite a spark for them to do 
the same. So start small; when we all come together, great things happen.

_**Author:** Lisa Dinh_

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f30a82826ab5e40ae1efde55aa735f0579f0105f7692fc289aebf0d58584c37e?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 Eillin Delapaz

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/eillin/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/eillin/)