Auditing and reducing the environmental footprint of my supplies is an ongoing process.
From 2023, these are my considerations for purchasing supplies. I may also use up materials that now do not meet these eco standards, but which were previously purchased with artistic archival considerations in mind.

…

The fine art papers I use for watercolours are mould-made from 100% cotton. This technique is considered to be the finest with the most consistent quality and the best longevity. Cotton art papers are made from cotton linters, a waste by-product of the textile and agriculture industries. There are no fine art papers manufactured in Australia.

Canvas is usually made from cotton or linen (flax) which are both quick growing plants. Of these, flax is a far less thirsty and more robust plant requiring fewer pesticides, and so it is the better environmental choice. I am moving to avoid polyester canvas, despite it’s excellent stability, as it is currently made from petrochemicals and is not renewable. There is no artist canvas manufactured in Australia that I’ve been able to locate and zero information on the growing or manufacturing standards.

I look for canvas stretcher bars made from sustainable plantation timbers, which is usually hoop pine. This is only definitely available for custom stretched canvases or some stretcher bars sold separately. There is nothing noted for off the shelf pre-stretched canvas.

When I offer pre-framed original artworks, the frames are always either vintage / recycled, or are made from a certified sustainable source and Australian manufactured.

Some postal packaging for sending artwork will be from recycled materials. All the rest of the packaging is biodegradable, right down to the tape (!) wherever possible. The exception is the archival and acid-free sleeves used to protect works on paper.

Office paper and envelopes are always recycled or FSC Certified / certified sustainable source.