Whole green resources for painting, drawing, photography, arts & crafts and more.
Artists face special challenges when it comes to going green. They are almost always forced to work with some kind of chemically based, potentially hazardous substance. So what do you do more pay attention to what you’re buying. Learn the proper ways to handle and dispose of your art supplies. Support the companies that produce green, safe, eco-friendly products.
LEARN ABOUT IT
Safe Soy
Paraffin, a petroleum by-product, is the wax most commonly used in the candle industry. It may also be hazardous to your health: The American Lung Association has issued a warning about poor indoor air quality resulting from burning paraffin candles. The state of California has identified at least seven toxic compounds in paraffin wax, including the carcinogen benzene. Other dangers: Many commercial candles contain petroleum-based synthetic fragrances and lead-core wicks that are quite toxic.
There is a safe alternative. Soy wax is a great choice for homemade candles. While some other natural waxes are equally safe, soy wax is the least expensive because it’s the most common. It is simple to use and can be cleaned up with just soap and water. The process is pretty fast, too. A candle can be made in under half an hour.
FEATURED
Here are three of the more than 1,000 Whole Green resources you’ll find in the catalog:
STRATHMORE WINDPOWER PAPER
On the Wind
A full line of recycled and acid-free fine art paper products is now available from Strathmore Artist Papers, including its Windpower sketch pad line…
COOKBOOK FOR PAINTERS?
The Natural Paint Book
The Natural Paint Book by Lynn Edwards and Julia Lawless (Rodale, 2005) may be geared to home decoration, but the information on earth-friendly decorative solutions can be applied just as readily to crafts and fine art…
Make your own finger paints and play dough. Find recipes at www.naturemoms.com that use kitchen staples like flour, cream of tartar, cornstarch, and soap flakes.
