Supporting Independent Art Suppliers: A Greener Alternative

Ethics and sustainabilityAbout Vegesentfor artists

4 Apr

As artists, every creative decision we make shapes more than just our work — it influences the world around us. One of the most impactful choices we face lies in the materials we use. Choosing **eco friendly art supplies** and partnering with independent suppliers committed to sustainability can significantly reduce our environmental footprint. In this article, we explore the advantages of supporting local, conscious art suppliers and how your decisions can drive positive change.
Why Choose Independent Suppliers for Eco Friendly Art Supplies?
Supporting independent art suppliers isn't simply a preference — it’s a sustainable strategy for fostering environmental responsibility within the creative industry. Here’s why it matters:
**Environmental Consciousness:**
Independent suppliers often have tighter control over their supply chains, allowing them to prioritize **eco art materials** and environmentally responsible processes.
**Innovation in Eco Art Materials:**
Smaller, agile businesses are quick to adopt the latest innovations in sustainable products, offering unique alternatives to traditional materials.
**Personalized Service:**
Independent suppliers typically provide expert, tailored advice on **eco friendly art supplies**, helping artists make informed, sustainable choices and reducing waste from unsuitable purchases.
**Supporting the Local Art Community:**
Buying from local, independent suppliers strengthens Helsinki’s vibrant art scene while fostering a culture of environmental awareness.
**Access to Unique Products:**
Many independent suppliers stock niche, artisanal, or handmade **eco art materials** you won’t find in large retail chains — adding both character and sustainability to your art.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Plan B (INSTAGRAM). Featuring "Kapitalistin narunveto - old amusement park building".  

" I am using old buildings. Using old items, like plates or boxes. Using old wood. Using cardboard, metal plates, old windows etc. as canvases. Also thinking of making a mural made with trash.

I'm interested in trying air-cleaning lime paints. They purify the air thanks to their natural lime and pigments. Their high pH kills surface bacteria and microorganisms. When choosing these paints, certifications are important."

Plan_B_Balls_in_the_basket_Acrylic_and_spray_paint,_recycled_wood,_old_box,_balls_-_Plan_B_Street_Art.jpg

Plan_B_Colonial_Goods_Acrylic_paint,_legos,_3d_prints,_recycled_wood,_recycled_barbed_wire,_old_box_-_Plan_B_Street_Art.jpg

Finnish and Nordic Brands

Supporting Finnish and Nordic brands can reduce transportation emissions and boost local economies:

Coverstory (Finland): Plastic-free non-toxic vegan interior paints for murals and furniture customization projects.
Coliro (Germany): Metallic watercolors that do not contain microplastic and are made from Mica Pigments and Gum Arabic, both natural ingredients.
Växbo Lin (Sweden): Offers high-quality, sustainably produced linen fabric and yarn for textile artists.
Vintage Paper (Denmark): Specializes in eco-friendly papers made from agricultural waste.
Marabu Green (Saksa): A climate-neutral, water-based, vegetable oil-based (at least 92% natural materials) and vegan alkyd paint made in Germany for artists and hobbyists. The paint's matte, light-resistant and weather-resistant creamy consistency is suitable for paper, cardboard, canvas, wood, MDF, stone, metal, cork, and many other surfaces.
Artemis Plant Colours (Netherland): handmade watercolors using only plants as ingredients.
Greengiving (Netherlands): up to A3 size seeded paper consists of two thin layers of paper with seeds in-between. Currently available only in quantities of 100 sheets or samples.
International Green Art Suppliers
For specialized materials, we might need to look beyond our borders:
1. Natural Earth Paint (USA): Offers plastic-free, non-toxic earth and mineral pigments.
2. Eco-House (Japan): Known for their natural, non-toxic art supplies including paints and solvents.
3. Makers Cabinet (UK): Creates precision tools with a focus on longevity and sustainability.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: SUKHI RAGHUNATH (INSTAGRAM).  Image courtesy: SUKHI RAGHUNATH

"I HAVE AND WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE (PARTNER WITH SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTS) IN FUTURE AS WELL. THERE ARE A FEW BRILLIANT AND CONSCIOUS ARTISTS I HAVE COME TO KNOW HERE IN HELSINKI. IT WILL BE VERY INTERESTING TO BRING TOGETHER DIFFERENT FORMS IN A MEANINGFUL WAY. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HELPFUL PRACTICES THAT CAN BE INCORPORATED IN MY WORK."

How Artists Can Inspire Change with Their Materials

Our material choices carry weight in shaping market demand. Here are meaningful ways to amplify the presence of eco friendly art supplies in our communities:

Ask Questions:
Don’t hesitate to inquire about a product’s environmental impact. The more we ask, the more suppliers are encouraged to expand their eco-conscious range.
Share Knowledge:
Share information about sustainable suppliers and eco art materials with fellow artists, fostering a collaborative effort towards greener practices.
Experiment Boldly:
Trial new eco friendly materials in your work and document the experience. Your feedback could inspire others to follow suit.
Organise Group Orders:
Collective purchasing from international sustainable suppliers can lower costs and reduce the environmental impact of shipping.
Provide Feedback:
Positive reinforcement matters. Let suppliers know you appreciate their sustainable options and suggest new products you’d love to see.

Beyond the Purchase: Supporting Eco Conscious Suppliers in Other Ways
There’s more to sustainability than just what we buy. Here are additional ways to support independent suppliers advocating for **eco friendly art supplies**:
**Host Workshops:**
Propose classes or demonstrations using **eco art materials** — a fantastic way to introduce new audiences to sustainable options.
**Collaborative Exhibitions:**
Partner with suppliers for exhibitions featuring works created exclusively with **eco friendly art supplies**.
**Promote Their Work Online:**
Share your favourite independent suppliers and their sustainable offerings on social media and leave positive online reviews.
**Upcycling Initiatives:**
Suggest partnerships where suppliers distribute or sell upcycled or surplus materials, reducing waste and promoting creative reuse.

SUKHI RAGHUNATH: "For the nature-inspired paper sculptures, I use a mix of earth-friendly materials such as:

-Raffia or dried palm fibre,

-100% responsibly made, sourced, sustainable tree-free papers created from recycled plant, farm, and old-clothing waste. I source these papers from a company that practices ethical employment practices and uses recycled water in its production cycles.

- I also avoid ordering the papers in large quantities often from India and try to carry them along with me during my travels. It is tough on planning, but it avoids the issues associated with shipping, transports, etc.

- I also use dried bamboo stems at times.

- I try and use coffee to colour the paper where possible, if not, I am conscious in my use of commercially available paints and try to minimise its use."

Challenges and Considerations in Choosing Eco Art Materials

While supporting eco-conscious suppliers brings many rewards, it also requires careful thought:

Higher Costs:
Many eco friendly art supplies come with a higher price tag. View this as an investment in both the environment and the integrity of your practice.
Limited Availability:
Certain specialist materials might not be immediately available in Helsinki. Factor in extra time for international orders or group buys.
Unique Working Properties:
Sustainable materials may behave differently than conventional options. Allow yourself room to experiment and adapt.
Vigilance Against Greenwashing:
Stay mindful that not all “green” claims are genuine. Research products and question labels to make sure your materials align with true sustainability standards.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Veronika Vegesent (INSTAGRAM). Featuring "One HUNDRED years of Baltic Sea revolution".  

" My approach to art as a platform for activism begins with a core idea, before identifying the possible mediums I can access. And choice of materials speaks to my commitment to authenticity and sustainability. Working with suppliers who contribute to the better more ethical economical system is extremely important for me."

Mostly I repurpose my art materials, find biodegradable materials for my art in nature and buy them from a Norwegian-based online art supply store here.