My Sustainability Journey
Sustainability, for me, means creating the biggest positive imprint, with the smallest negative imprint.
My Art
The central theme of my work is inclusivity. I want to represent all body shapes, sizes, races, disabilities and more. And YES. I know I have more to do on this. As I move forward, I promise to keep pushing boundaries and challenging myself. As my artwork is physical rather than digital, each piece I create has its own direct carbon footprint. I work hard to limit this, and I promise to keep working hard and lifting my game.
What I Do Now
All my art supplies are vegan. (I highly recommend this Jacksons page for help with this.)
I only use old paintbrushes – generally sourced from friends’ leftover projects. I also prefer the way their bristles work on the paper, which is a handy bonus. I’m currently searching for an alternative to acrylic paint, as it releases microplastics into the water system. As I keep searching, I’m careful to filter all my wastewater to keep it plastic-free.
I’ve just started partnering with a Sheffield charity which I’m very excited about. I’m also on the lookout for a charity to collaborate with in 2024 that are looking for illustration work that ties in with my current style. Are you a charity?
My business account is with Monzo, which doesn’t invest in fossil fuels, tobacco or arms and has pledged to be net zero by 2030.
When I’m not creating art, I do all I can to live my best, most sustainable life.
I’m vegan and car-free. I avoid single use plastic. And I’m generally thrifty. That means fixing stuff wherever I can. I also heavily research all new purchases – in business and life – to ensure they’re ethically produced and built to last.
My phone is from Fairphone and my contract is with honest mobile (the names pretty much give you the vibe).
What I Will Do
I will always use up the materials I have before I buy more. And I’ll keep buying the most ethically produced and environmentally friendly products I can find. (I’m currently looking for good quality recycled paper and more sustainable canvases – if you have any tips?
My personal finances are a little knotty right now. Once I’ve unpicked all the knots, I’ll be moving everything over to banks that DON’T fund the destruction of people or the planet!
I can’t choose my energy provider right now, but when I have that choice again, it’ll be ethical and offering 100% renewable electricity.
Still have questions? Drop me an email and I’ll be happy to answer them.
Written in collaboration with Sustainability Copywriting.
