"Eco-Friendly" the Word
with Heather René Dunaway
December 2025
Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of research on what types of paints would be better to use in the Arts Council’s collaborative mural project with Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park, Augusta Richmond County and Richmond County Board of Education – the “It All Flows Into the Savannah” Storm Drain Mural Project.
This will be the 5th year we have matched local artists with Richmond County Schools to paint a mural inspired by water protection. These murals act as a beacon of knowledge for not only the students who get to help paint them, but for future students who attend the school. They are meant to educate the public, especially the next generation, about where our storm water goes and how pollutants get into our water and impact our ecosystems. It’s actually a really great project and we’ve done about 35 murals so far (and we are only halfway through all the schools in Richmond County).
The past iterations of these murals haven’t had the longevity we had hoped for. Unlike steel sculptures that last 50+ years, murals on walls only have a shelf life of about 5-10 years depending on the type of paint used. Street murals, on the other hand, are about 3-5 years. When paint fades, it actually means that microscopic pieces of pigment and paint are chipping away, layer by layer. Which, when you are working with acrylic based paints, means that the paint is entering the ecosystem – which is not the best thing. This is what inspired be to begin the process of finding a better type of paint for this project (which I think I have found the perfect eco-friendly, durable paint).
In my own artwork, I like to recycle materials. Not only does it save me money and challenge me, but it’s better for the environment. I like to buy thrifted fabrics, re-use canvas, cut open paint tubes to get all the paint out. What can I say, I’m cheap, resourceful and conscious of what my art does to the environment. Now more than ever after the research I’ve doing on different types of eco-friendly paints.
I’m also re-doing my studio with waste in mind. I’m getting a bunch of materials together to donate and clear up some space and in the process finding materials I totally forgot about . Now I get to think of ways I can incorporate them into a new body of work. Clean-up and re-organization days are essential part of being a working artist. While I’m chipping away at my art supply hoard, I’m also being mindful of incorporating more eco-friendly choices in my every day art (and life) practices.
So, here are some tips to make your studio a bit friendlier for the environment:
1. DO NOT dump your brush water cup down the the sink.
When you rinse your brush, you are actually putting acrylic paint into the water, and pouring that water down the drain puts microplastics into our water supply. Treatment plants only get so much microplastics out of the water before it cycles back to us. Paint can also damage your plumbing. It’s better to let it dry out, pour it over kitty litter, or soak it up with a paper towel or cloth and dispose of it in the trash. Certain types of paint might even be hazardous and require special disposal, so always check the labels before you do anything.
2. Opt for eco-friendly or recycled materials.
Products like Natural Earth Paint use natural resources to create high quality paints . Recycle and use what you have on hand, too. Get creative in the way you create art and think of ways you can switch up your supplies.
3. Avoid single use anything.
From paint trays to cups. If you can’t get more than one use out of it, it’s not the most friendly. Friendly for the environment, but also on your pocket.
4. Cut back on water usage.
Wasting a lot of water making art and cleaning up is bad for the environment. Water is a finite and precious resource. Especially if you live in a drought state (like Georgia is most summers). Invest in a 5 gallon bucket to use for rinsing. The paint will settle to the bottom naturally.
5. Get materials that will last you a long time.
Investing in your craft is essential, for many reasons, but a good reason is you wont be making a lot of waste by buying the cheap brushes that you will only get one use of. This also goes for taking care of your equipment so it WILL last a long time.
6. If you have to throw it away, make sure it’s recycled if you can.
If you can’t recycle it on your own into a new art project, consider recycling the materials. Always check the labels or do a quick google search if you are unsure if the item is recyclable. If you can’t recycle, and you can’t use it for what you need, consider donating it. Especially if it’s gently used. There are places like Jessye Norman’s Second Act Thrift Store and the Greater Augusta Arts Council that will accept used art supplies. Plus a bunch of other arts non-profits that work with children. Heck, the Arts Council is accepting indoor/outdoor paint right now for local muralists.
7. Buy second hand.
Especially if you are buying materials to try out. This will save you money and help save the environment. When you can’t do that, buy locally. The less your supplies have to travel, the better.
10. Don’t trash your unsold artwork.
If you can’t recycle it into new art, then donate it! Lots of charities accept artwork for fundraisers, or to be gifted to those in need. Think of a Habitat for Humanity home rebuild for a single mother of three who just lost her home in a fire. She will want something cheerful in her new home, and that can be your work. Plus, donating it can be a tax write off for you.
Well, that’s all I can think of for now. Do you have any eco-friendly art tips you want to share? Email them to me at heather@augustaarts.com . That’s the word! Now go make cool art.
-Heather