The word ‘recycled’, just like ‘organic’ or free range’, is open to interpretation. Lots of ‘recycled’ paper is actually still made from virgin pulp- it has just been through the paper making machine already- an off cut from virgin paper made an hour before on that same machine, in the same factory. So it’s important to know where things come from, in order to make an informed choice about what you’re purchasing. I get most of my paper from a company called GF Smith. Not all of their paper is recycled- they have a massive range- but their catalogue gives you a breakdown of where each paper comes from. Some of these factories use actual recycled pulp, some use wind turbines to power their factory, one of them even uses leftover hops from a beer company, reconstituted into sheets. I like to know all about things, so I can spend ages pouring over their catalogue.

I’ve used various papers from them that meet my standards for treading lightly on the environment, while also giving me the strength and durability I need for my sculptures. I like to experiment and see what different types of paper can do. For example: printing or cartridge paper might have a strong warp and weft, so that if you fold it along the vertical it makes a lovely neat crease, whereas folding along the horizontal makes a much messier crease. Something like watercolour paper will curve and roll rather nicely, while stiff card of the same thickness just buckles under the strain of any kind of bend. It’s all due to how the fibres align during the paper making process. Or something. I’m no scientist!

I’m also a big fan of repurposing. If somebody gives me some paper when they’re clearing out their stash, I’m going to use it. I don’t like to throw out or recycle something before I’ve worked out if I have a use for it. I love peanut butter, and I have a little pile of (plastic and glass) containers hanging around waiting for some such use. Glass containers make easy storage. For the plastic ones: recently I wanted a larger tree stump than my usual size, so I decided to try and make use of my PB tub, and I actually think it’s been rather successful. I’ve become a beacon to the people I know for donating Gu pots, because they are very handy for storing piles of cut out feathers and flower parts. I don’t really know anybody who eats pringles, but apparently their lids fit nicely on top.

I don’t avoid plastic entirely in my business; my brushes are synthetic, my glue is obviously a plastic polymer, and I use acrylic paints. They are all conscious choices. I avoid using any animal derived ingredients, which some of those alternatives would have in them. Acrylic paint colours do not fade, and they give a rather handy plasticized coating to my paper sculptures, which, with the help of a water resistant lacquer, seal the edges of my designs and prevent them from absorbing any damp in the atmosphere. That’s important for the lifespan and durability of my sculptures.

I’m not managing to avoid creating any landfill waste by any means, but I do think carefully about my impact. And I’m making an effort to reduce my waste where I can.