As an artist of any type you have the ability to make a positive different in the world around you by making a few simple changes and educating yourself on the subject of green art. But, what many people want to know is what does it really mean to be a "green artist," what is involved exactly, and is it expensive to make all of the changes necessary?

Here is a simple guide outlining how to go about greening your art and how to lessen your impact on the delicate environment in which we live.

What is Green Art?

Now that we are in the 21st century and science has become more advanced than ever before, more and more attention has been placed on the Earth's dwindling natural resources as well as the negative impact humans have had on the environment. Because of this, the "Three Rs" of being green, reducing, reusing, and recycling, have now become second nature to a growing number of artists.

Simply put, green artists utilize practices that are nonpolluting and nontoxic to the environment.

There are numerous websites devoted to the subject of environmentally conscious art including www.earths-journey.com where one can buy pieces or sell their work using either all recycled or all earth friendly materials. For more eco-friendly ideas and topics sites like www.nature.org, www.thedailygreen.com, and http://planetgreen.discovery.com are chock full of information about lessening your carbon footprint and helping the environment.

Recycling and Using Earth Friendly Art Supplies

Not only should the simple act of recycling be a way of life for everyone with growing reports of overfull landfills, shrinking glaciers, and more evidence of global warming, but it can also easily be incorporated into all of your art practices regardless of the mediums used. In addition to the act of recycling used materials, many artists are now strictly using recycled items in their artwork not only for aesthetic purposes but also to minimize their waste contribution.

Conscientious green artists will only use natural or organic materials but unfortunately, hazardous materials abound in the world of art including paints, paint removers, and products used for etching glass and other mediums.

For alternatives to products containing formaldehyde, turpentine, or mineral spirits look for those made from nontoxic and nonflammable ingredients. There are also cleaners for paint brushes and similar items made from 100% soybean oil that are not only non-toxic but biodegradable as well.

Paper that is made from all recycled materials or from partly recycled materials along with hemp fibers are both considered to be earth friendly supplies, as is paper that's free of harmful chemicals like chlorine as well as paper products made using solar or wind power instead of the usual growing practices.

There are also those paper companies who use manufacturing processes that are completely powered by renewable energy sources, and while their prices may be a bit higher than the paper supplies you'd find at your local craft store, the extra money spent can't be measured in a dollar amount when it comes to saving the planet we live on.