new bubble wrap off the roll, and cut some cardboard to the right shape, I thought to myself, "There's got to be a more environmentally friendly way of doing this!" Bubble wrap and cardboard can only be reused so many times, and where does it all go when it gets thrown out anyway, and how far has it traveled to get from a factory to my studio?These thoughts and questions got me considering my art practices and packaging in a new light. I already use many found materials in my work that has been called "upcycled" and "reclaimed" art, so it seemed to me that I was already on the right track and I just needed to explore some other packaging options. After trying out some flimsy materials I found myself having an epiphany in a home goods store, and I purchased six mattress pads. Since then I have been using mattress pads to wrap my larger work. They are cushioned, cheap, washable and reusable.
I have been thinking about this even more as the JP Open Studios gets closer and wondering how I will package my work for buyers during the Open Studios weekend in the least environmentally damaging way possible. I've come up with a variety of options ranging in cost and feasibility. One place I found is the Eco Mall stating, "If you’re not buying recycled, you’re not really recycling." and then provided a link to Green Bag Promos if I want to get custom paper or cloth bags printed. Then I found some very reasonably priced recycled paper shopping bags from Treecycle, and also from a company called NuEra.
There is still the option of reusing materials that I already have instead of purchasing new ones. Reused materials may not look as crisp and clean but perhaps will be appreciated for the “greeness” of it all by recipients of once (or twice) used packing and carrying materials. Another option that I am considering involves a little more effort: T-shirt bags. A friend pointed me towards an on-line tutorial for making shopping bags out of t-shirts. It seems like a great way to use all those free t-shirts that have piled up over the years that never get worn, and an excellent way to make the most out of what I already have around the house. I’ve made one of these so far and it was pretty simple.
There's much to consider, and some decisions need to get made. Have you gone green in your art making process or in your ways of packaging your work? Please leave your methods and ideas as comments on this post and let's all try to go green at the Open Studios!
Jessica Burko
Artist, Independent Curator, Arts Marketer
http://www.jessicaburko.com
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