Let’s Change Culture - Taking action on a budget

12 Sep

Those of us with limited resources can still develop and implement an environmental action plan by focusing on smaller, practical steps that create meaningful change without requiring substantial investment. Here are some suggestions for how we can approach sustainability with minimal resources:

Here is an Environment and Climate Policy and Strategy Template which you are welcome to use.

1. Start with an Environmental Audit

Self-Assessment: Begin by evaluating your current practices. This doesn't need to be formal or expensive. Ask yourself questions like:
- How much energy do I use in my studio?
- How do I dispose of waste from my artwork?
- What materials am I using, and where do they come from?
- How do I travel for exhibitions or supplies?
Track Key Areas: Keep a simple log of your resource usage (e.g., electricity, water, materials). This will help identify areas where you can make the most impact without a formal audit.

2. Set Simple, Achievable Goals

Focus on Small Changes: Set a few basic goals that are realistic for your circumstances. For example:
- Reduce waste by reusing materials.
- Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.
- Use fewer toxic chemicals in your work.
- Reduce water use when cleaning brushes or tools.
Low-Cost or Free Initiatives: Many changes don’t require money, just a change in habits. For instance, using less plastic in packaging or finding second-hand art supplies can be both eco-friendly and affordable.

3. Use Sustainable and Recycled Materials

Work with What You Have: Instead of buying new supplies, reuse or repurpose materials you already own. For example, old canvases can be repainted, or found objects can be incorporated into your work.
Choose Natural or Recycled Materials: Where possible, opt for natural materials like wood, clay, or paper, and avoid plastics or synthetics. You can also use materials like reclaimed wood, scrap metal, or recycled paper for sculptures, collages, or mixed media works.
Look for Local or Second-hand Supplies: Buying locally reduces transportation-related emissions, while second-hand art supplies or materials (like old furniture, discarded objects) are often more affordable and sustainable.

4. Minimise Waste

Create Less Waste: Consider how you can reduce waste in your process, like buying only what you need, using materials efficiently, and reusing scraps or leftovers.
Recycling and Repurposing: Set up a small system for recycling in your workspace. Repurpose old works or materials that are no longer needed, or give them a new life in other projects.
Upcycling: Use discarded materials or found objects to create new artworks. This not only minimizes waste but also gives your work a unique, environmentally conscious narrative.

5. Reduce Energy Consumption

Energy-Efficient Equipment: If you can, switch to energy-efficient lighting (e.g., LED bulbs) or use natural light to reduce electricity consumption.
Power Down When Not in Use: Turn off equipment and lights when you’re not using them. Using power strips with switches makes this easier and more affordable.
Work Outdoors: If your art allows it, create work outdoors during daylight to save on lighting and energy use.

6. Green Your Workspace

Optimise Space Usage: Maximize natural light, reduce the need for heating or cooling, and ventilate spaces naturally to reduce energy consumption.
Plant Indoors or Outdoors: Adding plants to your studio can improve air quality, which is especially beneficial if you work with chemicals or solvents.
Water Conservation: Use less water by washing brushes or tools in batches, or reuse water where possible.

7. Low-Impact Transportation

Work Locally: Reduce your carbon footprint by focusing on local exhibitions, galleries, and communities. Virtual exhibitions can also minimize the need for travel.
Eco-Friendly Travel: If travel is necessary, try to walk, bike, use public transport, or carpool. When shipping art, consolidate shipments to reduce packaging waste and emissions.
Virtual Participation: Participate in virtual residencies, art shows, or discussions whenever possible, reducing travel-related emissions and costs.

8. Collaborate and Share Resources

Join or Start an Artist Collective: Collaborating with other artists can reduce costs and resource use. Share studio space, materials, and tools, or collaborate on projects that have environmental themes.
Barter or Trade Supplies: Exchange materials or tools with fellow artists instead of purchasing new items. This helps reduce waste and creates a supportive network.
Community Projects: Engage with local communities to create public art using recycled or natural materials, raising awareness of environmental issues without requiring personal financial resources.

9. Create Eco-Conscious Art

Focus on Environmental Themes: Use your art as a platform to raise awareness about environmental issues. This can help make sustainability part of your creative mission and attract audiences that share your values.
Minimalist Approach: Simplify your work and processes to focus on fewer, but more sustainable pieces. Minimalism can reduce material costs and environmental impact.
Digital Art: If feasible, explore digital art forms, which can significantly reduce the need for physical materials, packaging, and shipping.

10. Seek Low-Cost Grants and Partnerships

Grants for Green Art: Research and apply for small grants or funding specifically for sustainable art projects. Many arts organizations and environmental groups offer support for artists working with sustainability in mind.
Partnerships with Environmental Organizations: Partner with local environmental organizations for projects, residencies, or exhibitions that align with their goals. This can help leverage resources and open new funding avenues.
Crowdfunding and Donations: Use crowdfunding platforms to raise money for environmentally focused art projects. Share your sustainability story to attract supporters who care about the environment.

11. Monitor and Adjust

Track Your Progress: Keep a record of the small steps you’re taking, whether it’s reducing waste, using fewer materials, or lowering energy consumption. Seeing your progress can keep you motivated.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly evaluate your practices and look for new ways to improve sustainability. Over time, even small changes add up to make a big difference.

12. Raise Awareness Through Your Work

Share Your Journey: Document your efforts to be more sustainable and share them through social media, blogs, or artist talks. This can help inspire others in the art community to follow similar practices.
Involve Your Audience: Educate your audience about your environmental efforts by including information about the materials and processes you use. Consider interactive projects that invite the audience to participate in sustainability.

Key Points for Artists with Few Resources

Use what you have: Reuse materials, minimise waste, and opt for sustainable alternatives within your budget.
Collaborate: Share resources and ideas with other artists, form collectives, or partner with environmental organizations.
Focus on small, realistic goals: Even incremental changes can have a lasting environmental impact.
Communicate your values: Use your work and platforms to raise awareness of environmental issues and build support for your sustainable practices.

By starting with these low-cost and accessible strategies, artists with few resources can make their work and practices more sustainable without needing large investments.

These are just some ideas, but the Let’s Change Culture series is all about sharing. What simple affordable creative eco-action have you tried?

Chloe Uden