A Little Palette Love for Mama Earth

I’d like to share one little but important way I intentionally take care of Mama Earth.

Instead of rinsing leftover acrylic paint down the drain, I let my paint palettes dry completely before cleaning them. Once the paint has hardened, it peels off in flexible, plastic-like sheets that can be thrown away with far less risk of washing tiny paint particles into our waterways.

Why does that matter?

Acrylic paint is made with plastic polymers. When wet paint is washed down the sink, it can contribute to microplastics—tiny pieces of plastic that make their way into rivers, lakes, oceans, and soil. These microscopic particles are incredibly difficult to remove from the environment and can be consumed by fish, birds, wildlife, and eventually even us.

Even better, those dried paint skins don’t have to become trash.

They can become something new! I love using them to add texture and topography to future paintings, creating raised landscapes, bark, rocks, or abstract designs. You can also cut and shape them into colorful 3D flowers, leaves, or other creative embellishments. It’s amazing what a little imagination can do.

Every choice we make matters. As artists, makers, and creators, we have the opportunity to create beauty while also caring for the beautiful world around us.

Mama Earth gives us so much—clean water, fresh air, forests, mountains, flowers, and endless inspiration. She nurtures us every single day. The least we can do is nurture her in return.

Our actions don’t have to be grand to make a difference. Sometimes protecting the Earth begins with something as simple as letting a paint palette dry.

Let’s create beautiful art without leaving behind a trail of microplastics. Together, we can make our studios a little greener, our waterways a little cleaner, and our world a little healthier.

Mama Earth is taking care of us every day. Let’s return the favor.