As a creative person, we all have a natural urge to bring our ideas to life and express ourselves through art and craft. But with the world facing environmental challenges, it’s important for us to consider the impact of our creative choices.
With limited information available on which art and craft materials have the least impact on the environment, I set out to research and create an approximate ranking based on my findings. This is not a scientifically researched ranking, but rather a reflection of my own efforts to balance my artistic passion with my commitment to sustainability.
Join me as I explore the different types of art and craft materials and rank them from least impact to most impact on the environment. And if you have any feedback or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you as I continue to learn and review my list.
The following are ranked in order of minimal to highest environmental impact:
Use what you have:
If you’re like me you probably have a tone of art supplies. When one is awakened to environmental concerns and their personal impact, they are tempted to clear out what they have for Eco friendlier versions, to feel or be viewed as being sustainable. Don’t, a lot of resources went into the production of the art supplies you have, and it would be a huge waste to throw them away unused. Rather, use them but investigate sustainable practices such as the correct way to clean up, dispose of, and can anything (such as empty paint tubes) be reused or recycled? You can also ask around for supplies you need; you probably have friends who have supplies not being used. Also, I think we have moved into a state of fast creation, slow down your art making, and create with intention and mindfulness.
When you need to purchase new supplies then explore the best sustainable option.
Up-cycling materials:
Giving materials that would go to landfill a new purpose through art and crafts is a great sustainable option.
Ideas are collage, mosaics, sculpture, jewellery, garden art etc.
Thought needs to go into the other items you in the process, such as adhesives, try to choose the best option for the environment.
Natural materials:
Some creatives make amazing art and crafts from natural items found in nature.
This does need to be done responsibly, so not to disrupt the ecosystem and habitats.
Some examples are dyeing fabric with natural dyes such as blown down eucalyptus leaves, avocado skins etc. Other ideas are nature mandalas to photograph, rock art, garden art, basket weaving etc. Check out my Pinterest board here for inspiration.
Digital art (such as tablets, camera):
Although a lot of energy and resources go into electronic devices, the art one can create on them may possibly be the least impactful. This is if you already have a device and you are using it for multiple purposes, which I think most of us are. For example, a mobile phone for calling/texts, internet, camera, music, alarm clock/watch, apps etc. A tablet for internet, camera, gaming, art creation apps and other apps etc.
If you have a suitable device, you can make virtually unlimited art and easily share it too. However, if you print your creations, that is going to have more impact, please consider what you print onto and its sustainability.
Charcoal:
Charcoal is made from wood, which is burned at high temperatures to produce a solid, black material that is easy to draw with. While the production of charcoal can result in air pollution, it’s relatively energy-efficient and generates less waste than many other art mediums.
Some artists make their own charcoal, learn how at this blog. If purchasing charcoal, you can minimise waste by choosing charcoal sticks that come in a cardboard box, and use all of the charcoal stick, therefore eliminating waste.
Pencils:
Made mostly from renewable sources, there is heating involved to make the led as clay is mixed in with graphite and/or other materials. The sharpening’s can be composted or used in the garden, and the pencil can be used down to nothing. It is recommended to not compost whole pencils as they take a long time to break down and can clog up the compost. Thought does need to go into selecting pencils with sustainable packaging, and choosing pencils without painted exteriors is better. Graphite pencils are typically considered the most Eco-friendly option among watercolor, oil, and graphite pencils. This is because they are made from natural materials (graphite and clay) and can be recycled. Additionally, the manufacturing process of graphite pencils consumes less energy compared to oil and watercolor pencils. Watercolor pencils are also made from natural materials but have a higher energy consumption in production and can result in water pollution if not disposed of properly. Oil pencils contain synthetic materials and have a higher energy consumption in production, with potential negative impacts on air and water quality if not disposed of properly.
What you draw on is another factor, there are recycled paper options, bamboo, and hemp. Also, you can draw on up-cycled timber. Learn more about graphite pens via this informative blog post.
Watercolour paints:
A small amount of watercolour paint can go a long way. So, in this way it is far more sustainable than other forms of paint.
Most watercolour paints contain petrochemical-based ingredients (derived from petroleum or natural gas) which can have a negative impact on waterways, flora, and fauna, therefore follow the guidelines set by your local waste management facilities for disposal.
There are some Eco based brands worth investigating, and some people are making their own with natural ingredients. I have come across a business who uses unwanted make up products to recycle into water color paints.
Then there is packaging, when purchasing watercolour paints that come in tubes there is naturally going to be a lot more waste. As opposed to choosing a refillable palette and restocking colors as needed. If choosing tubes, check to see if they can be recycled.
Water-based inks:
Water-based inks are more environmentally friendly than traditional artist inks, as traditional inks are often made from heavy metals and other toxic ingredients that can harm the environment. Alcohol-based inks have a higher potential for air and water pollution, as they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air and can contaminate water sources if spilled.
Refillable options are better for the environment, for example Copic Ink refills a marker 5-9 times (depending on type) meaning the equivalent number of markers avoid being disposed. That brings us to the large wastage pens and markers can produce. Therefore investing in refillable options is preferred, and recycling empty containers. In Australia retailers such as Officeworks and Biome collect pens/markers for Terracycle who recycle many items that cannot be recycled through curb side recycling bins.
Soft/Chalk pastels:
Soft pastels are typically made with a mixture of pigment, chalk, and binder, while medium and hard pastels may have additional ingredients such as wax or oil. The type of binder used can vary, and some brands may use petroleum-based ingredients, while others may use alternative materials such as vegetable oil or a natural resin. It’s important to check the product label or do research on a specific brand to determine the ingredients used.
Like many art materials, soft pastels can release particles into the air during use, and if not disposed of properly, can harm wildlife if they end up in waterways. Additionally, some soft pastels may contain toxic pigments, which can be harmful if ingested by humans or animals. To minimize their impact, it’s important to follow safe usage and disposal practices.
The packaging, can also contribute to environmental harm.
Oil pastels:
Oil pastels are made from petroleum-based materials and toxic pigments making their production and disposal harmful for the environment, also these are non-renewable resources. have been told that there are low toxicity brands, however when researching this I found that the brands are not transparent about such matters which leads me to believe that this may not be the case.
If the oil pastel is used down to nothing this would then rule out some of the waste issue, there is waste involved in packaging the pastels.
There is minimal clean up involved with oil pastels, unlike oil paints where brushes need to be washed.
Biodegradable resins:
There are two main categories of resin, synthetic and biodegradable.
Synthetic resin is a man-made plastic polymer that is created through chemical synthesis and typically derived from petrochemical sources. They are long-lasting and usually not biodegradable, so they do not break down in the environment and can persist for hundreds of years. This can cause harm to wildlife and ecosystems, as well as contribute to the build-up of plastic pollution.
Biodegradable resins, on the other hand, are made from natural, renewable sources, such as plants and corn starch. They are designed to break down in the environment over time, typically through microbial action. However, it’s important to note that “biodegradable” does not necessarily mean “non-toxic” or “Eco-friendly”, as some biodegradable resins may still release harmful chemicals as they degrade. The process of producing biodegradable resins typically requires fewer petrochemical inputs, and may be less energy-intensive than synthetic resin production, reducing its impact on the environment.
There are brands available that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and Eco-friendly, if you enjoy this form of art and craft then they are worth investigating. It is worth reading the health and safety information, as when used incorrectly can cause health issues, for example sanding resin and inhaling the dust may cause asthma.
Clay/Ceramics:
Firing clay involves the use of energy-intensive kilns which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Clay requires the extraction of raw materials; the extraction and transportation of raw materials can lead to habitat destruction and soil degradation. The disposal of ceramic waste, such as broken or unusable pieces, can also result in environmental pollution. Non-glazed ceramics may take several centuries to thousands of years to break down in a natural environment. Glazed ceramics can take even longer, as the glaze creates a barrier that slows down the decomposition process. Additionally, some ceramic products, such as glazes and pigments, can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to human health and the environment.
Ceramics are strong and useful as well as art, so one can reduce the impact by: before firing clay, question if the item is needed/wanted, as at this stage the clay can be processed and reused. if it does not have harmful additives it can be disposed of in the garden and/or compost; You may be able to source clay that has been processed and ready for reuse. I purchase beautiful recycled clay from Firebird Studios on the Gold Coast, Australia, and I give them any clay waste that I have; If you have unwanted or broken ceramics, they can be reused for mosaic projects or offered to mosaic artists to make wonderful art; Also, why not consider Kintsugi (golden joinery), it is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery; Lastly, different types of clay require different firing temperatures, you can choose clay that require lower firing temperatures then say porcelain that needs the highest firing temperature.
Water Mixable Oil Paint:
Like oil pastels, oil paints are made from petroleum-based materials and toxic pigments, which makes their production and disposal harmful to the environment.
There are some brands that make and offer water mixable oil paints. These appear to be a better option in terms of: not needing harsh solvents for use and clean up; they typically emit fewer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) compared to traditional oil paints, which are known to contribute to air pollution and have an impact on the environment; Water-soluble oil paints are often considered safer for artists, as they have lower levels of toxic solvents compared to traditional oil paints.
From my research it appears that brands who offer water mixable oil paints are more aware of sustainability, are more transparent, and are progressively making earth friendly choices.
Acrylic Paint:
It’s difficult to say which type of paint (oil of acrylic) is “better” or “worse” for the environment, as both are significantly harmful to the environment in their own way.
The production of acrylic paints is harmful to the environment as the chemicals needed to make it require extraction that causes air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Production requires high energy consumption, and there is chemical waste. Acrylic paint contains polymers, which are plastic-based. If not disposed of properly, acrylic paint can release micro-plastics into the water supply and cause harm to the environment and wildlife. Therefore, it’s important to handle and dispose of acrylic paint responsibly.
Acrylic paints often come in plastic packaging, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in the environment and so contribute to the plastic waste problem.
Note:
When following disposal guidelines, if the waste needs to go to a professional waste management company or collection center, please don’t let it be out of sight out of mind. This waste needs to be separated from other waste and packaged into designated containers for proper disposal. The waste is then taken to a specialized facility for treatment or disposal, such as through incineration or in a landfill that meets regulatory standards for hazardous waste.
Also be mindful if items are not correctly disposed of there is an even higher cost to the environment.