Art, meet Climate
Let's bring "eco" back-to-school!
E-waste art by Vishwanath Mallabadi Davangere on display in Bengaluru, India.
Art as a Platform for Climate Awareness
Art speaks what words cannot. For millennia, art has inspired us, capturing the essence of our experience and translating it into emotion. One can imagine what happens when such a powerful medium meets the biggest global crisis...
Artists around the world are using their craft to highlight the urgency of climate change. Through public installations, sculptures, and exhibits, these creators are engaging communities and sparking conversations about the environmental challenges we face. This global movement emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their field, can contribute to a more sustainable future.
As we prepare for the back-to-school season, it's an opportune time to think about the environmental impact of art supplies we use in school, without compromising on the quality of education. In the US, we spend over 40 Billion $$ per year on school supplies! This does not include colleges. But what's actually alarming is 77% back to school supplies get wasted each year!
Eco-Friendly Art Supplies
Traditional art materials such as paints, markers, and paper, often contain harmful chemicals or are made from non-renewable resources. Most of the art supplies end up being single-use. We of course love all the wonderfully unique art creations, but we cannot realistically keep them all forever! They end up in large bags of trash by the end of each academic year.
Eco-friendly alternatives are increasingly available, offering our budding artists a way to create without compromising our planet. This is a great time to revisit art supplies at home, partner with your school classroom to bring in eco friendly options in art, and plan ahead for upcoming school projects. Yes, it will be more work, but what kids finally learn will be so much more.
Examples of Sustainability in Art
Recycled Paper: Opt for sketchpads, notebooks, and drawing paper made from recycled material. Many brands offer high-quality recycled paper that is both eco-friendly and cost-effective, available in stores like Staples, Office Depot, and online on Amazon as well.
Upcycle Art Supplies: Get extra-creative! Repurposing materials like fabric scraps from old clothes, old magazines, or discarded cardboard into art projects reduces waste and encourages innovative thinking.
Non-Toxic Paints and Markers: Choose water-based paints and markers specifically labeled non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals like VOCs (volatile organic compounds). It's safer for both the artist and the environment! Look for brushes made from natural, renewable materials such as bamboo or those with bristles made from plant-based fibers. And of course, if you already have plastic ones please, please reuse to the extent possible!
Reusable Canvas Boards: Instead of disposable ones, consider reusable canvas boards or surfaces that can be repainted multiple times, reducing waste and saving money.
Think before you splash! To, the little artists - Planning out your project or art on a piece of paper before you begin your masterpiece goes a long way in saving precious art supplies! 😂
* Reusable art supplies, upcycled material and non-toxic paints make all our lives easier.
* Make a draft - Plan out your art work before you splash!
* Donate excess supplies to those in need.
- Art with upcycled material by student at Harker Lower School
And of course it's not just the art supplies. It's necessary to be conscious of any school supplies like binders, backpacks, writing pads, books etc. Donating excess items or lightly used ones is always an option.
Eco-friendly art supplies and sustainable practices in the classroom are more than just trends—they are essential steps towards preserving our planet for future generations. Whether we are seasoned artists or students just starting out, our actions can speak volumes about our commitment to the environment. This is the time to show the beauty in sustainability! Have you already created an eco-friendly art piece? Share a picture and show us how it's done!