Introduction
Since the inception of Hazleton Art, I have been conscious of the environmental impact my business might have on our precious resources and planet, whilst still allowing me to produce the art I love. With this in mind, I have put an Environmental Policy in place for Hazleton Art.
Notes and background information to support the policy:
Paper:
The Watercolour Paper I use is either made by Winsor and Newton (made in Italy), or Daler Rowney (made in England) and purchased from UK Suppliers, Jacksons Art, my local Range, or Hobby Craft. I try to avoid purchasing paper made outside Europe, to keep air miles to a minimum.
Paper for printing invoices and thank you notes is FSC-certified and purchased from a local stationary store. I purchase recycled Ink Cartridges for my printer and recycle those.
Printing Solution
Cyanotype solution- Manufactured by Jacquard (in the US) but I purchase from UK supplier Jacksons Art or Just Pudding basins.
This has low toxicity and is a water-soluble solution. https://www.jacquardproducts.com/cyanotype-set
Botanicals
As a crucial part of my business, these need to be available and sustainable, I grow 75% of the botanicals I use – either in my garden or on my allotment. If I pick from woods or roadsides, I never take more than a couple of samples, and never if it’s the only one. I press 90% of the botanicals so that they can be used several times. I grow from seed where I can and employ a no-dig policy in my garden and on my allotment to reduce carbon release.
Cyanotype extras.
The cyanotype process can often involve the addition of salt, spices, and table vinegar all of which are nontoxic in the quantities used (in fact edible). I use dishwashing up liquid however and have chosen to use (Sainsbury’s Green Care, as it is not harmful to Aquatic life, is 100% plant-based, and comes in a 100% recycled and recyclable bottle. I do not use single-use cling film in my practices.
Water
The process of Cyanotype involves rinsing the prints thoroughly in cold water to expel the unabsorbed solution. Because of this dilution of the solution, the used water is safe to empty into the domestic water system.
I use containers of water to rinse the prints, not running taps or showers- minimizing water consumption.
Packaging
Clear bags around individual products are either fully recyclable Acetate or BOPP, or Biodegradable or Compostable Vegetable Starch and marked as such. All labels on individual products are Biodegradable. Tissue paper is recyclable and acid-free. Between non-glazed photograms, I use Glassine sheets, which is a fully recyclable and biodegradable product.
Where possible and practicable I re-use packaging I have received, for protecting and distributing my products.
When I purchase new outer packaging items, I try to ensure they are made from recycled products, are FSC certified, and can be recycled by the customer. I do not purchase standard plastic bubble wrap but have purchased some ‘Jiffy green’ Bubble which is made from 100% recycled material and is fully recyclable, I do not use plastic chips or single-use cling film for distributing my products. Recently I have started offering larger framed glass-fronted photograms for sale, which will need to be very well protected and packaged for transport, so this may cause me to use other packaging materials, I will investigate the most eco-friendly that will do a good job and update next time
Marketing and Sales
I try to keep paperwork to a minimum and do not enclose unnecessary marketing items. I usually send a free bookmark with a Photogram purchase. I also enclosed a business card, made fromrecycled card, from Vistaprint, who have a sustainability programme, is committed to carbon reduction and is FSCTM certified. https://sustainability.vistaprint.com/
I have purchased a natural rubber logo stamp mounted on a hardwood base from Get Stamped a UK company that prides itself on being Green. Their rubber stamps are made from natural components wherever possible, environmentally sourced oak and green eco rubber which is made using 100% organic components. https://getstamped.co.uk/environmental-impact/ They also partner with wildlife charities.
Paper bags for over the counter/market sales are made from recycled paper and are recyclable and stamped with the logo. I use Social media for advertising, eliminating the need for postal paperwork.
Distribution
I currently distribute (sell) through www.Folksy.co.uk a UK-based online arts and craft shop for UK makers and artists. I do not currently distribute abroad with them.
I am looking to start selling on a second platform and this may involve distribution outside of the UK, so will need to look into how efficiently I can do this and who with.
I have my products on sale in a local Gallery shop, (less than 10 miles from my studio), which is committed to local trade and using local artisans for their stock.
Distribution of my products by post currently is by Royal Mail; they have a sustainability programme in place and are committed to Zero emissions and carbon-neutral working. https://www.royalmail.com/sustainability/environment.
Waste
Prints, sometimes these don’t go to plan and are not saleable, but I will use them cut into Gift tags, or labels or bag them into Bundles as art offcuts and offer them for sale.
Botanicals used in the Wet Cyanotype technique are generally put into domestic waste as they may have soap/salt/solution on them, so I do not compost them.
Embellishments, Mounts, and Frames
I use ink, and watercolour paint as embellishments, these are minimal and always water-based products.
Mounts and backboards are made from paper products with water-based adhesives and purchased from a UK manufacturer.
Frames can vary enormously in composition materials, I favour FSC-certified real wood and FSC-certified wood composite over plastic, and avoid those made with mirrors, and glitter, a recent project meant that I purchased some small frames which incorporated some gemstones, this was a one-off project, which I felt it warranted it and they were glass not plastic I always try to purchase glass as the glassing element, which is recyclable, over plastic.
(The next review of this document is December 2024)
For the current collections please visit https://folksy.com/shops/HazletonArt
