In addition to being a form of artistic expression, pyrography can also be used to promote sustainability and environmental awareness.
Keep reading to see some of the ways on how pyrography can do that!
One: Sourcing sustainable materials
Sourcing your wood from companies who care about the environment ensures the wood is harvested with minimal environmental impact.
Here’s what to look out for:
1. Sustainability Practices of the Supplier:
Review the company's environmental policies. Look for transparency in how they manage the forests they harvest from, such as replanting efforts, reduced chemical usage, and preservation of wildlife habitats. Check if the supplier follows carbon-neutral operations, uses renewable energy, or has sustainability reports available to the public.
2. FSC Certification:
Look for wood that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. This certification ensures the wood comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. FSC-certified forests promote biodiversity and prevent deforestation.
3. PEFC Certification:
The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is another global certification that guarantees sustainable forest management. PEFC-certified products ensure wood is sourced ethically and sustainably.
4. Avoiding Illegal Logging:
Ensure the company complies with regulations like the Lacey Act (in the U.S.) or the EU Timber Regulation to avoid wood that comes from illegal or harmful logging practices.
Here are some alternative options for wood sourcing:
Reclaimed or Salvaged Wood:
Sourcing reclaimed wood from old buildings, shipping pallets, or other recycled sources is an excellent sustainable option. This method reduces the need for new wood and minimizes waste. HOWEVER! It is really important to know what you are burning on as some woods can emit very harmful chemicals when heated, especially ones treated with chemicals. This is really hard to tell sometimes so this is not always the best option… For a list of woods not to burn, check out Common Wood Types To Avoid. Always follow the safety precautions set out by the manufacturer and check out our Safety Guide for best practices when it comes to buying anything.
Local Sourcing:
Buying from local suppliers reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting wood over long distances. Supporting local woodworkers or sawmills can ensure more transparency about where the wood originates.
TWO: Promoting Environmental awareness through words and design
One way to use pyrography in a sustainable way is by creating designs that promote environmental awareness. For example, you could create a design of a forest with the message "Save the Trees" or a design of a sea turtle with the message "Protect Our Forests." These designs not only showcase the beauty of nature, but also help to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and protecting our planet.
By showcasing the natural world in their art, pyrographers can help to inspire others to appreciate and protect the environment. A mountain landscape, for example, could inspire someone to take a hike and experience the beauty of nature firsthand.
THREE: Promoting Environmental awareness through Events, auctions and donations
To promote environmental awareness through events, auctions, and donations, focus on creating eco-conscious experiences that engage and educate participants. Host pyro workshops that teach wood burning techniques paired with sustainability and green living.
Organize green auctions, featuring eco-friendly art or services, and partner with local businesses to offer environmentally responsible products.
Raise funds through donation-based events or crowdfunding campaigns for environmental causes, and encourage corporate partnerships for sustainable challenges. Ensure your events are eco-friendly by reducing waste, using digital or plantable invitations, and incorporating education booths or online content to spread awareness.
Parts of a sale can be donated to companies that support the environment. We love to donate a part of all our sales to One Tree Planted which plants tree’s around the world! To this date, we have donated over 15,000 tree’s. Our donations have planted trees in places like the Andes as well as 10,000 fruit trees in India, where not only will it help with air quality, but will also provide food and jobs for people of that region.
Four: Functional Sustainability
Pyrography can also be used to create functional items that promote sustainability. Here is a list of some items you may burn that are also functional:
Kitchen utensils (spoons, spatulas, cutting boards, and serving trays…)
Coasters
Jewelry or trinket boxes
Serving platters
Wall hooks or hangers
Coatracks
Phone or tablet stands
Candle holders
Picture frames
Serving bowls
Storage crates
Bookmarks
By using sustainable materials and creating items that can be used again and again, pyrographers can help to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices.
Five: Keeping It Natural
A natural wood slice is a biodegradable material that can return to the earth without causing harm, especially when untreated. Wood art slices (or those with function, such as in the above paragraph) can be kept natural or use only natural stains or finishes (more on this down below).
I recently learned about the Cradle to Cradle philosophy which focuses on designing products that can be reused or naturally decomposed, promoting a closed-loop system where nothing is wasted.
For further reading, the original concept is explored in Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, which outlines the framework in detail.
What can you do to make your wood slice sustainable?
Here are some alternatives to finishes and mediums often used with pyrography:
Finishing Options
Many pyrography artists opt for natural, non-toxic finishes like beeswax, linseed oil, or plant-based varnishes. These finishes not only protect the artwork but also reduce harmful chemical emissions and protect indoor air quality.
Hanging Options
A common solution to hanging wood slice art is to add a hanger on the back. This little metal piece can easily be added to majority of wood, however, it would have to be removed at the end of the lifecycle of that slice. A great option, if you have the tools, access to them, is to create a keyhole style hanger!
Alternative Stains
Natural stains are a great way to enhance pyrography projects while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. Unlike conventional wood stains, which often contain synthetic chemicals and solvents, natural stains are made from plant-based, food-safe ingredients. Here are a few popular options for creating and using natural stains in pyrography:
Coffee or Tea Stains: Brewed coffee or tea can be used as a stain to give wood a rich, earthy tone. The colour intensity can be adjusted depending on the strength of the brew and the number of coats applied.
Vinegar and Steel Wool: Soaking steel wool in vinegar creates a chemical reaction that can stain wood a weathered, aged look. The longer the steel wool sits in the vinegar, the darker the effect.
Beet Juice or Other Vegetable Dyes: Natural vegetable dyes, like beet juice, spinach, or onion skins, can be used to create colourful wood stains. These are made by boiling the vegetable matter in water and applying the resulting liquid to the wood.
Turmeric Stain: Turmeric powder can be mixed with water or alcohol to create a yellow stain. It's often used for giving wood a golden, warm tone.
Walnut Stain: Boiling walnut hulls in water creates a rich, dark brown stain. Walnut stains have been used for centuries in traditional woodworking.
Blackberry or Blueberry Juice: These fruits can be boiled down to create a stain that imparts a purple or reddish hue to the wood.
Natural Paints
Natural paints can be an excellent addition to pyrography projects, especially if you're looking for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic paints. Like natural stains, these paints are made from non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients, and they can add vibrant colours or subtle accents to wood-burned art without harming the environment. There are more and more options available, just make sure to read the fine print. Some companies like to use words like “natural” and “organic” or “earth” but they do not come chemical free. Another option is to go the DIY route. There are loads of tutorials on how to make your own paint.
Pyrography is a versatile and beautiful medium that can be used to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. Whether by using wood from sustainable companies, creating designs that promote conservation (or conversation), or making functional items that can be used again and again, pyrographers can help to reduce waste, protect our planet, and celebrate the natural world.