Greener Creativity 

January marks for many us the chance for a fresh start, and what better time to rethink how we create. Building eco-friendly art habits doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity or buying all-new “green” supplies, we mean not just what we make, but how we make it and being more intentional with your materials. Here are a few simple ways to make your creative routine kinder to the planet in 2026.

Shop Your Own Supplies

The excitement between boxes doesn’t need to slow down, before buying something new, take stock of your current supplies. Half-used sketchbooks, dried-out pens, leftover paint; these can all spark unexpected ideas! Take on the #ScrawlrChallenge again, but create a piece using only what’s already in your drawer. Limitations often lead to more inventive outcomes.

Creating With Care

 Eco-friendly art habits are about progress, not pressure. You don’t need to be perfectly sustainable to make a difference. Small, thoughtful choices add up and they often lead to more meaningful, mindful art making. Fore example, small changes in your workspace can make a big difference. Use jars instead of disposable cups for water, cloths instead of paper towels, and refillable containers where possible.

Mindful Mistakes

Make it a habit to test colours, techniques, and tools in a sketchbook first. Label your swatches. This helps reduce mistakes, saves materials, and builds confidence with new supplies. A dedicated “test page” can become a valuable reference over time.

Waste Not Want Not

 Keep hold of those scraps! They can become texture, collage, or experimental mark-making tools. Test colours on packaging, layer tissue paper into mixed-media work, or turn paper offcuts into mini studies. Try treating waste as material, not rubbish.

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