As more and more people become aware of the importance of a sustainable lifestyle, we are discovering new ways to reduce waste and pollution in every aspect of our lives. Increasingly, people want to feel good about the goods that they buy. Whether that means using a refillable travel mug to buy fair-trade coffee in the morning or shopping online for vegan footwear, people are waking up to the fact that sustainability is a must. Here are a few ways we can integrate eco-friendly solutions into the arts and entertainment?

Non-toxic Oil Paints

Unlike other forms of visual arts that can use reclaimed or sustainably harvested materials, oil painting seems to be unable to shed its toxic plumage. Even with eco-friendly brushes and canvases, the heart of the matter, the paints themselves, are an eco-nightmare. As an alternative to resigning yourself to working with toxic sludge, non-toxic paints have become available to the aspiring Picasso. These paints deliver the same quality without polluting our water and soil when you have to dispose of them.

Vegan Ballet Shoes

The ballet is a world built on tradition, hard work, and timeless beauty. Choosing a good ballet shoe, whether it's a point shoe or ballet flats, is an important and deeply personal issue. Even the constructions of a ballet shoe is an artform draped in tradition and centuries of craftsmanship. Unfortunately, not all of those traditions are eco-friendly. For those who are trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, choosing ballet flats can be even more difficult. Luckily, several brands have come along to offer you vegan ballet flats that couple excellent performance with sustainable high-quality materials.

Natural Bamboo Reeds

Bamboo as a construction material is an eco-wonder. It's easy to farm and grows quickly. It's also incredibly strong and can be used in everything from scaffolding to home furnishings. Bamboo fibers are used to make paper, cloth, crafts, and even bicycles. The next time you are shopping for art supplies, choose supplies made from natural bamboo reeds.

Sustainable Yarn

Sustainable and ethically sourced yarn is not limited to yarn made from recycled fibers. Yarn from ethically sourced wool or other sustainable fibers is also an acceptable alternative to have a more sustainable craft. While availability might be a concern for some, the quality of these yarns is on par with their less ethically sourced competitors.

The desire to create beauty is one of the most basic of human instincts, but people are increasingly aware that there is no beauty in a thing that creates suffering. With a few changes in how we produce art and use resources, we can make our art not only beautiful but a source of greater good.