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Aurélie S.

Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Art Supplies

Updated: Jul 29, 2021


You already know I’m passionate about drawing and illustration but you may not know I’m also into everything natural! I believe the two things are intertwined as nature provides us with the infinite range of beautiful shapes and colours that we love and are at the core of artistic inspiration. We are getting more conscious about protecting the environment and making wiser, healthier choices, so why not apply it to our artistic endeavours?

That’s exactly what I’m suggesting with these non-toxic & eco-friendly drawing and colouring supplies!

Paper and Sketching Pencils : Think bamboo or recycled!

The biggest problem with paper and pencils is that they involve the use of wood. Nowadays there are lots of options for bamboo or recycled acid-free drawing paper and pencils. Here are some you may want to try:

  • Strathmore - Artist recycled paper.

  • Fabriano - White Ecological Artist Paper.

  • TreeSmart - Recycled Newspaper Pencils in packs of 24.

  • Dixon Ticonderoga - Pencils are made of Wood scraps are recycled and joined together. Available in packs of 2 or 10.

  • Alpino - TRIMAX Ergonomic eco-friendly coloured pencils made from reforested wood. Set of 12.

Crayons : Think 100% Beeswax!

Conventional crayons are often made with petroleum based paraffin wax and artificial, chemical-based colors and may contain lead, absetos or even mercury. Look for crayons made with beeswax or soy wax, and non-toxic pigments instead. There are lots of safe options nowadays. Below are just 2 examples of safe alternatives:

  • Filana – Paraffin free, organic beeswax crayons.

  • Honeysticks – Chubby beeswax crayons made with non-toxic pigments.

For those willing to try making your own, Wee Folk Art has a great tutorial. You may have to to add a little bit of water to hold the emulsion. And they might turn out a little harder than store bought crayons.

Some shops you can try:

Ireland and UK Based:

US based:

Extra tips: Don't just trust a brand, the same brand might sell both eco-friendly and non-eco-friendly products. Be critical. Always check the labels and ingredients. And as usual, try to buy local products from a local store as much as possible rather than ordering from an online store at the other side of the globe!

And when you’re done with your pencils and crayon, think about upcycling them! In my next article you'll find some ideas of how to give a second life to your used pencils and crayon.

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