As an artist, you want your work to reflect your values. You may be interested in using sustainable art supplies as a way to reduce your impact on the planet. More and more artists are choosing to use eco-friendly craft supplies in their work, and there are many reasons why.
So what makes a material sustainable?
Generally, sustainable materials are those that have a lower carbon footprint than traditional materials. This means they produce fewer emissions during production and often have a longer life span. In addition, sustainable materials often have low toxicity levels and require fewer artificial additives.
Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Art Supplies
Made from sustainable materials
Eco-friendly art supplies are made from sustainable materials that don’t damage the environment. This means that they are safe for you to use and won’t cause harm to the planet.
There are a variety of eco-friendly art supplies available, from recycled paper products to art projects made from upcycled materials. Using eco-friendly art supplies is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and help make the world a greener place. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to be more environmentally responsible!
Fewer toxins
Traditional art supplies can often contain harmful toxins and chemicals. These toxins can be dangerous to both children and adults and can cause a variety of health problems. Eco-friendly art supplies are a great alternative, as they often contain fewer toxins.
This makes them safer for both children and adults to use. As more and more people become aware of the importance of protecting the environment, eco-friendly art supplies are becoming increasingly popular.
Recyclable and (sometimes) compostable
Recyclability should be an important consideration for anyone who uses art supplies.
Traditional art supplies are made from materials that are not recyclable or compostable, and they often come packaged in single-use plastic. This can make it difficult to reduce your environmental impact. Sustainable art supplies can be recycled or composted after use, making them a more environmentally-conscious option than traditional art supplies.
The Best Eco-friendly Craft Supplies
Biodegradable Paint Plates
As an artist, it’s important to be mindful of the materials we use and the impact they have on the environment. Toss Products offers a great sustainable option for painters with their paper paint plates. These plates are made from recycled materials and are water-resistant for up to 24 hours. The water-resistant material used is non-toxic and food safe, making it a safer option than a plastic palette. What’s also great about these plates is that they are disposable, so you can stop washing paint down the drain. Toss Products is a woman-owned company, so you can feel good about supporting them!
Organic Crayons
Organic Crayons are a great eco-friendly craft supply option because they are made of natural ingredients and mineral pigments. Organic Crayons are made from Beeswax, a natural and renewable resource. They are also non-toxic, which means they are safe for kids to use. These crayons come in many colors, so you can find the perfect shade for your project. Another great thing about organic crayons is that they reduce waste. When you’re finished with them, you can recycle them into new crayons. This helps keep plastic out of landfills and reduces the amount of waste produced each year.
The Azafram organic crayons are an example of color crayons using plant-based waxes. This results in a crayon production process that doesn’t rely on any emissions from fossil fuels. The only emissions will come from the energy used to turn the wax into crayons.
Eco-friendly Earth Paint
Most people are unaware that traditional art supplies, such as oil paints, contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to both artists and the environment. These paints require special disposal methods and can be very flammable. In contrast, natural earth paint is made from minerals and other natural materials and is non-toxic. It can be safely disposed of in the compost bin and is biodegradable. Additionally, it is non-flammable and does not require any special disposal methods.
Natural earth paint comes in an array of vibrant colors. It’s perfect for all sorts of art, like painting, drawing, and crafting. Plus, it doesn’t require harsh chemicals for clean up as commercial paints do–a little soap and water is all you need! The facepaint variants have an addition of Fair Trade shea butter. this makes natural earth paint a safe and eco-friendly choice compared to other art supplies
FSC-Certified Pencils
FSC-certified pencils are a great eco-friendly art supply for anyone who loves to sketch, draw, or doodle. These pencils are made from responsibly sourced wood that comes from FSC-certified forests. The FSC certification guarantees that the forest is managed in a way that conserves its natural resources and protects the rights of local communities.
As a bonus, these pencils also come with erasers made from recycled materials. So, not only are you using an environmentally friendly product, but you’re also supporting a company that is committed to sustainable practices. Their pencils are also non-toxic, making them a great choice for kids and adults alike. They come in a variety of colors, and the wood is stained with mineral pigments, meaning the colors will last longer than traditional colored pencils.
What makes these pencils so special is that they are made from sustainably sourced wood. This means that the wood used to make the pencils comes from forests that are managed in a way that preserves their natural resources. In addition, the FSC certification ensures that the rights of local communities are protected. So not only are you getting a high-quality, eco-friendly product, but you’re also supporting sustainable practices.
Sprout eco-friendly pencils are the perfect way to show your dedication to sustainability. Not only are they made of recycled packaging and materials, but they also come with a seed embedded in the eraser. This makes them not only eco-friendly but also plantable. By choosing Sprout pencils, you’re setting an example for a greener and better future.
Natural fiber brushes
When it comes to paintbrushes, there are two main types: synthetic and natural. Synthetic brushes are made with materials such as nylon, polyester, and acrylic, which can take hundreds of years to break down. Natural brushes, on the other hand, are made with materials such as animal hair, plant fibers, and bamboo.
Natural brushes tend to be more sustainable than synthetic brushes, as they are biodegradable and non-toxic. In addition, they often come with recycled or reusable packaging, further reducing their environmental impact. For artists who care about making a difference, eco-friendly paint brushes are the obvious choice.
There are a variety of eco-friendly paintbrush options available on the market today. Some of the most sustainable materials include animal hair (e.g. ponytail hair, goat hair), plant fibers (e.g. bamboo fiber, cotton fiber), and recycled materials (e.g. recycled plastic bottles, recycled newspapers).
When choosing an eco-friendly paint brush, it is important to consider the type of material it is made from. Animal hair brushes are generally durable and long-lasting but can be expensive. Plant fiber brushes are less expensive but may not be as durable as animal hair brushes. Recycled material brushes are the most affordable option, but they may not last as long as other types of brushes.
Ultimately, the best eco-friendly paint brush for you depends on your needs and budget. There is a wide variety of sustainable options available, so there is sure to be a brush that fits your needs perfectly.
Non-toxic glues and adhesives
Non-toxic art supplies are a must for any environmentally-conscious artist. Traditional adhesives and glues contain harmful chemicals and solvents that can damage your artwork and the environment. Luckily, there are several non-toxic alternatives available.
One popular option is powdered glue, made from potato starch. This glue is safe to use and biodegradable, making it a more sustainable choice than traditional adhesives. It’s also easy to use – add water and it’s ready to go.
Another option is PVA glue, which is made from plant starches. This glue is also non-toxic, biodegradable, and easy to use. It dries clear and doesn’t leave a residue, making it a popular choice for crafts.
There are also several eco-friendly adhesives available that are made from natural materials like tree sap or beeswax. These adhesives are nontoxic and biodegradable, and they work well on a variety of surfaces.
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional glues and adhesives, there are plenty of options available. Choose a product that’s safe for both you and the planet, and you can rest easy knowing you’re doing your part to protect the environment