likewise bonds fast to fi ngers; toxic, foul-smelling acetate (used in nail polish remover) is needed to remedy the situation.
Paints Water-based tempera paint is easy to use; Chroma brand tempera removes some of the hazardous ingredients. “I use water-based, non-toxic acrylic paints and wine to paint recycled wine corks for my designs,” says Kanter. “This avoids harsh fumes and chemicals.” Note that acrylic paint can contain ammonia or formaldehyde. Oil paint produces fumes and requires turpentine, a petroleum-based product, to clean brushes. Aerosol spray paint is easily inhaled unless protective equipment is used.
Markers and Crayons “Give kids great supplies and they’ll make great art,” maintains Harris. “They’ll also be respectful of how much they use.”
Go for unscented, water-based markers, especially for younger children that are as apt to draw on themselves as on paper. Soy crayons
If paint, glue, chalk or markers have a strong odor or the label says, “Use in a well-ventilated area,” it’s toxic.
are made from sustainable soybean oil, while retaining bright colors. Dustless chalk is preferred by some. Colored eco-pencils are another option. Beware of conventional dry erase markers, which contain the neurotoxin xylene; permanent markers emit fumes. Wax crayons are made with paraffi n, a petroleum-based product.
Yarn and Other Fibers For knit or crochet projects, choose recycled silk and cotton or bamboo, soy silk from tofu byproducts, or natural, sustainable corn silk. Sheep’s wool, organic cotton or alpaca fi bers, raw or hand-dyed with natural colors, are environmentally friendly. Rayon is recycled wood pulp treated with caustic soda, ammonia, acetone and sulfuric acid. Nylon, made from
petroleum products, may have a harmful fi nish.
More Materials Canvas is typically stretched on birch framing, a sustainable wood. Look for unbleached, organic cotton canvas without primer. Runoff from an organic cotton fi eld doesn’t pollute waterways.
Experiment with homemade modeling
clay. Many tutorials and photos are available online. Commercial modeling clay contains wheat fl our, which can cause a reaction for the gluten-sensitive. For papier-mâché projects, recycle newsprint and use white glue, thinned with water. Premade, packaged versions may contain asbestos fi bers. Eco-beads with safe fi nishes vary from nuts and seeds to glass and stone. For grownups that like to create their own beads, realize that polymer clays contain vinyl/PVC.
In making artistic expression safe, being conscious of the materials used is paramount.
Connect with the freelance writer via
AveryMack@mindspring.com.
August 2015
17
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