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More Eco-Friendly Materials, Please.

Writer's picture: Ashanti GardnerAshanti Gardner

Sustainability is more than ever a necessary lifestyle to preserve the earth and its bounty for future generations. At The Social Art Complex, we are working toward integrating more sustainable materials and practices into our work. Here, we will share our thoughts and ideas on a greener approach to being more climate-conscious.


Handpainted in green is holding up a small plant against a white background.
Photo credit: Alena Koval

From Foam board to Cardboard


Some visual practitioners rely on materials like foam boards, which have many environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature. However, there are options like the Neuland wall, which is a good investment for those working primarily on paper. Transporting the wall from job to job is likely to have its challenges, which we are not privy too. Foam boards are typically the way to go for those looking for an easily portable and lightweight option. They are also easy to use when building large visual structures or printing pop-up banners.


While practitioners have many options, some increasingly opt for honeycomb cardboard, a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Honeycomb cardboard is more straightforward to break down and less environmentally harmful than foam board. Few vendors sell honeycomb boards a sheet at a time. The honeycomb board is primarily used in units or packs. If you are lucky, a vendor may have a broken pack or unit; they may be willing to sell one sheet at a time versus a whole unit or pack. The other option might be buying and breaking a pack with other practitioners. Also, while we have not used honeycomb cardboard to build large-scale visuals, its smooth surface and sturdiness tell us that it might be a suitable replacement.


Eco-Friendly Markers and Paper


In our experience, most visual practitioners use water-based markers (water-soluble ink or acrylic) because they are often easy to clean up. Imagine being in a hotel or museum and spilling ink on the floor - you want something washable! Coincidently, water-based markers are less harsh on the environment. Most of the markers we use, like Posca, Neuland, and Molotow, are refillable too. In addition to markers, we use a significant amount of craft paper, particularly for in-person recordings. Paper is here to stay and easily recyclable. There is an engaging tactile nature about paper that draws in people - it is magical to see a visual evolve in real-time right in front of you.


A marker case with various markers.
Marker case full of various markers.

Going Digital


Aside from paper, visual scribing with a drawing tablet, like an iPad or WACOM, is an eco-friendly alternative, reducing the need for physical paper and markers. However, this shift comes with its own set of challenges. For instance, larger screens are required in-person to make the scribing accessible and visible for good participant engagement. In a remote situation, virtual cameras allow real-time viewing of the visual practitioner’s work, enhancing participant engagement. Also, the visual can be shared quickly with one or two clicks. As new technologies emerge, we will see more immersive experiences through Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and broader access to these technologies. Going digital is more of a choice. Think about the physical space, audio and visual requirements, the vibe you want to create, and the needs of your participants, then decide between paper or digital.


No More Plastic Fidgets


Having fidgets on the table during facilitated events helps some participants self-regulate their nervous systems, de-stress, manage anxiety, or soothe agitation. They are essential tools for supporting participant engagement and keeping people present. Many plastic fidgets are available online - making quick and easy to grab. However, searching for "sustainable figdets" leads you to other options. The best replacement we have found so far is fidget toys constructed of wood and metal, which are better for the environment than plastics.

A protester is holding up a sign that says, "There is no Planet B."
Photo credit: Markus Spiske

A Collective Responsibility


People are increasingly seeking more sustainable ways to operate, and our responsibility is to meet these expectations. By adopting eco-friendly practices, we ensure that everyone can feel good about participating in our gatherings. With the current climate and environmental challenges, it is more important than ever to show up responsibly as visual practitioners. We must add value to the world and contribute positively wherever we can.


By making these conscious choices, we hope to lead by example and leave a better world for future generations. Please share your thoughts or comments below.


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