Sustainability

I strive to be as kind to the planet as possible in the running of my business and in the creation of my prints and artwork. While it is not possible to generate zero impact on the planet running a small art business - I have an environmentally conscious mindset and endeavour to reduce my negative impact where possible, as highlighted below: 

Packaging & Branding materials:

The majority of my packaging supplies are from EcoCraft, which is a UK company that's products origins are also within the UK. This reduces shipping overseas. These items include:

  • Kraft paper tape (glue from vegan adhesives and water based inks). 
  • Glassine print sleeves, which is paper based and recyclable
  • Compostable clear film for wrapping artwork
  • Kraft brown paper 
  • Packing stickers

Branding materials are printed from UK based printers, on recycled paper that utilises 100% post-consumer waste (products that have reached the end of their product lifecycle), FSC certified and chlorine free.

Printmaking:

  • I use battleship grey lino, which is a fully biodegradable lino. It is made from hessian backing, linseed oil and wood flour.
  • I print with caligo safe-wash inks, these are non-toxic and made from vegetable (linseed) oil so can be washed with soap and water as opposed to harsh chemicals (for extra clean-up I use 'Zest': this is a more environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternative to 'turps' and white spirit, made using the zest of citrus fruit.
  • I make rags for cleaning and printing from my old damaged clothes.
  • I continue to explore and experiment with paper types in my lino printing, as I seek paper that is both high quality and the most sustainable option - each original print on sale will describe what paper type is used. Hopefully I will find the golden ticket soon!

Prints, Cards, & Giclées: 

I only use UK-based printers that I have selected for having a strong sustainability ethos at the core of their business, and offer environmentally-conscious options.

  • Giclée Fine Art Eco prints (primarily for the pet portraits) are printed at DStudio in the UK. I use  Bamboo or Hemp archival paper from the Hahnmühle natural range - these are a more sustainable crops.
  • Greeting cards, postcards and reproduction art prints are printed in the UK  and use paper made from 100% post-consumer waste, that is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) credited.
  • I always seek to utilise the most environmentally friendly option possible. I will continue to adapt and change my suppliers if and when needed!

Studio:

My studio is at home, so just a short walk to commute! I do not hold a lot of stock, and order small quantities of prints at a time.

Seconds:

I plan to sell any mis-prints/seconds or damaged prints at discounted prices in markets and online, so that they may be enjoyed and not destroyed! I have a box for scrap paper for potential future collages!

Snacks:

Oh, and I eat a plant-based diet and strive to be vegan at least 95% of the time!

Every little helps! 

 

Curious? Questions?