What can artists do to reduce their carbon footprint without interfering with their creativity?
Here are eight simple actions artists you can take right now to start going green:
1. Reuse, Reinvent, Recycle
Some of the most famous artwork has been created using discarded, odd items (Duchamp’s Fountain, for example)
2. Purchase Supplies from Eco-friendly Art Stores
You’ll find bamboo products, recycled paper, and drawing pencils made with reforested wood at these green shops.
3. Preserving Acrylic Paints
Avoid throwing out dried acrylic paint unnecessarily by sealing paint in plastic wrap, palette lids, or impermeable containers.
4. Properly Dispose of Paint
Never flush unusable paint down the toilet or dump them into sinks. Also, never toss artist paints in dumpsters or outdoor garbage cans where animals and pets can access them. Improper disposal of art supplies that are not eco-friendly can poison the soil and plants and reduce clean water access.
5. Reuse Panels and Canvases By Painting Over Unwanted Artwork
Recycling old paintings done on canvas by painting over them can inspire you to create something in bolder colors needed to conceal old paint.
6. Recycle Packaging Materials
Get creative with bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, Styrofoam, and other paper items to mail things. Cut up large cardboard boxes and practice painting or drawing creative ideas on pieces of cardboard. You can also reuse packing material to pack your products for mailing.
7. Avoid Using Aerosols and Spray Paint Supplies
Aerosols no longer contain chlorofluorocarbons. Instead, this toxic chemical has been replaced by volatile organic compounds that damage the environment.
8. Energize Your Studio with Solar Power
Small artist studios can be easily powered by installing solar panels on the roof. Besides, relying on solar power to illuminate your art studio can save thousands of dollars in energy bills.
