The act of painting is actually a rather unsustainable thing. So is running an online business. In their truest forms, both are degrading to the natural world.

As someone who is not only endlessly inspired by nature, but who is also immensely appreciative of the Earth, I aim to make both of these practices as incredibly eco-friendly as possible.

First things first: both acrylic paint and oil paint can harm eco-systems. Of course, the word to note is can, there are ways to prevent and lessen the damage done to the environment, which is what I strive to do.

How exactly is each medium is harmful? The binder in acrylic paint dries to become plastic, contributing to the accumulation of micro-plastics, and conventional solvents (like Turpentine) used in the oil painting process are full of strong, unhealthy chemicals. Not to mention certain heavy metals can be found in both types of paint.

As far as my art is concerned, I have a non-toxic studio without the use of harsh solvents, traditional varnishes, and heavy-metal pigment paints. I’m lucky enough to prefer oil paint over acrylic, as I find the latter carries more of an environmental burden.

• I replace the use of conventional solvent with Natural Earth Paint’s “Eco-Solve,” which is non-toxic and free of unhealthy fumes

• I’m currently using Lukas brand oil paints, and I actively avoid cadmiums, cobalts, and other heavy metal pigments

• I do not use any additives in my oil paint, only Eco-Solve and linseed or walnut oil when needed

• When I gesso my canvases, I ensure that the least amount of paint enters the water ways, if any, by straining the paint water through a coffee filter. Gesso is an acrylic based primer, similar to white acrylic paint, that is necessary to prep the canvas or media used when painting

• Additionally, I make sure to properly dispose of old oil paint, dirty “solvent,” and gesso properly so that none of it releases back into nature

• I reuse a paint towel to wipe my brushes with instead of single-use paper towels. In general, I look to repurpose or reuse items, even old paint (which I use for under paintings), for the sake of eliminating waste

• I’m in the process of testing linen canvases as apposed to cotton, which requires much more water to grow when compared to linen, in addition to other advantages

• As far as my prints go, I paired up with Photo Innovation Lab to ensure I put out the most high-quality prints while continuing to focus on sustainability. My prints are printed on MOAB Entrada Rag paper, which is made using salvaged-cotton and wind energy

Overall I try to stay conscious in the actions I take within my creative process, and this is true for the business side of my practice as well.

• When I can, I reuse packaging material that I get from my part-time job and/or through the mail

• I buy nearly all other packaging from Eco-Enclose, a brand focused on recyclable, compostable, and plastic-free alternatives to traditional packaging supplies

• I do not use plastic at all in my packaging, and it is 100% curbside recyclable and/or compostable

• My prints are made to order, avoiding unnecessary waste, and my original pieces are slow-made and packed to order

• Plus, 1% of every order placed goes directly to climate efforts to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere! Learn more about the impact