Revive and Renew: Creating with the Earth in Mind

Our creations tell our stories.

Art in all of its forms captures love, life, and all of Earth’s wonders in hers.

She shares her trees to create our canvases so that we might breathe, revive and renew life into them with the swirl of a paintbrush. Pens, pages, and books have all been gifted to us by Mother Earth in one way or another. We begin from nature. We create with and through nature. So, honoring the sacred resources shared with us is the least we could do. 

“Take only what you need and leave the land as you found it.”

— Native American Proverb

For all who make and consume art, it is possible to do so while also respecting the planet that makes all of this possible. Not all of us live on an off-grid homestead where reusing every part comes naturally to us. But we can all start somewhere. 

Considering the true price of our supplies. 

Mindfully using our papers and canvases.

Discovering recycled sources.

All of these choices give the beauty around us the possibility to shine just a little longer. Creating art doesn’t have to cost us the Earth. Allow your values to shine through your tools, hobbies, and creations with this list of eco-friendly swaps for all types of art lovers!

To Revive and Renew Eco-Conscious Swaps-

Swaps for Writers:

• Notebooks: Try swapping your classic notebook for recycled materials like bamboo or even try going digital with your tablet or good ol’ Notes App!
• Printing: Double-sided always! Print when necessary and on recycled paper. Make your edits digitally to save yourself some time and the earth some resources.
• Ink and Pens: Aim for refillable fountain pens and other writing utensils made from recycled materials.

For Artists:

• Paints and Paintbrushes: Search for water-based and non-toxic paints. Natural brushes that don’t use plastic will help you create consciously and proudly.
• Storage and Tools: Reuse jars, lids, and bottles rather than buying plastic mixing trays and boxes to store tools.
• Cleaning: Avoid washing your tools with anything other than earth-friendly soap and avoid sending solvent down the drain so our waterways aren’t impacted by artistry,

Book Lovers:

• New Books: Try a book exchange with friends instead of buying your next read! Add an old fave in and take a new fave home to give it a second life!
• Digital Reading: If your bookshelf is beginning to take over the room, it may be time to consider digital reading. Save space, clutter and the Earth! Everyone wins!
• Bookmarks: Scraps of paper, old photos or pieces of leftover ribbon are great tools to save your page!

For more guidance on honoring our universal home, take a look at any of the books below. They’re sure to help you feel connected to this eco-friendly cause and capable of making the changes you hope to see!

For Writers:

Make Ink: A Forager’s Guide to Natural Ink Making by Jason Logan

For Foodies:

How to Be A Conscious Eater by Sophie Eagen

For Maximalists:

Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver

For City-Dwelling Souls:

Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science by Jessica Hernandez

For More On Climate Change:

A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring a New African Voice to Climate Change by Vanessa Natake