Celebrating Global Recycling: Ten ways I’m sustainable as an artist

“Don't waste electricity, don't waste paper, don't waste food. Live the way you want to live but just don't waste.”
- Sir David Attenborough

Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we reduce waste and use recycled and reclaimed products wherever possible. 
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Through my charity prints, I champion the environment by donating money to animal charities and rewilding organisations.

I also try to make sure my art business is as sustainable as possible. Below are 10 easy ways I do this. Many are not specific to being an artist, and can therefore become good practice for any small business.

1.
​All packaging comes through a partnership with a local bike shop Tredz - they keep the boxes for me and I then cut them down, minimising waste.

2.
​My memory boxes display items that may otherwise end up in landfill.

3.
​I take care not to use any excess packaging.

4.
​All of my products are free from plastic.

5.
​The mounts I use are made from recycled material. 

6.
​When sending prints to wholesalers, I wrap prints in recycled tissue paper. This minimises the amount of waste that goes back with the end customer.

7.
​I make sure I don’t waste paper, by efficiently planning what I need to print. 

8.
​I send used ink cartridges to charity for recycling.

9.
​If I need to use bubble wrap, I re-use pieces that have come from other deliveries. I never buy new plastic.

10.
I print to order and don’t hold stock, as this could lead to unnecessary waste.

And a bonus 11:
This isn’t to do with recycling, but the bank I use for my business is Triodos, which is a sustainable bank - they only finance companies that focus on people, the environment or culture.

Find out how I worked with a local primary school to turn rubbish into a giant piece of art, here.