5 Ways to Make Your Next Tattoo More Sustainable

The tattoo industry is known for its innovation, creativity, and edge. Though once taboo, tattoos are fairly commonplace these days—roughly

36% of U.S. adults have at least one tattoo. Given the increased popularity of ink, there's never been a better time to consider the eco-impact of the practice. The question is, how do you make your tattoo sustainable?

Like salons, tattoo studios rely on an assemblage of tools that require maintenance, as well as sterilization between clients. Over the past two decades—and with the accompanying uptick in demand—the industry has shifted from a reliance on reusable supplies to predominantly single-use products.

Unfortunately, this means that as our want of tattoos continues to grow, so does the amount of

waste. From cling film to latex gloves to ink caps, the tattoo industry is yet another that's dominated by

plastic.

Photo:

Marie Brennan, @mariebrennanart

Many artists in the industry are also looking for ways to cut back on waste, the better to combine their passions for tattooing and environmentalism.

Botanical tattoo artist

Marie Brennan has been in the industry for nearly three decades. Ten years in, she began to notice the amount of unnecessary waste being produced every day–mostly, the amount of trash being carried out each night. In response, Brennan opted to start a private studio, the better to meet her own sustainability goals.

“I am trying to be less destructive, less wasteful,” says Brennan. “There is a little extra work, but in the long run it has a huge impact.” 

Tattoo artist

Tai-Li Lynn's contemplation of waste led her to an entire community of eco-friendly artists on social media, all with a growing interest in sustainable options and more mindful products.

One solution is actually a return to the old ways.

Lynn notes that a lot of artists are switching to wireless machines with disposable plastic cartridge tips. “The old-school metal autoclavable grips are the way to go,” says Lynn. “Don’t fix what ain’t broke.”

There are also a growing number of alternative products that make for a safe and sustainable experience: think paper ink caps,

compostable barrier film,

biodegradable personal protective equipment, and more.

Another means of making your tattoo more planet-friendly?

Veganism.

Many inks utilize

bone char, glycerin, and gelatin, making even the most wildlife-centric tattoos less than environmentally friendly.

To combat this issue, studios like Brooklyn's

Gristle Tattoo are going 100% vegan—from procedures to aftercare. In addition to prioritizing vegan offerings, Gristle practices what it preaches, actively supporting and fundraising for animal-related causes.

Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal experience, and finding an artist who shares your artistic and environmental perspectives is a must. Here are five things to keep in mind when booking your next tattoo appointment.

In terms of tattoo artists, take time to track down your perfect match. Social media is an easy way to survey local shops, and

sites exist to help narrow the hunt—try tagging "vegan" and "eco-friendly" for more tailored results.

Lynn also suggests calling shops to ask about their products. "Voting with your dollar works in every industry," she notes.

Razors are among most tattoo shops' most frequently used disposable products. While some stores have made the switch to

reusable razors, shaving your soon-to-be-adorned body part ahead of time is an easy way to reduce waste.

If you have a few small to medium size tattoos or touch-ups in mind, consider getting them done in a single session. “We end up with the same amount of waste whether you get a four-minute tattoo or a four-hour tattoo," says Marielle Rebecca, manager at Gristle.

When trying to track down sustainable artists, questions are bound to arise. Most artists—especially those making the switch themselves—are happy to provide answers. In fact, artists like Brennan encourage it. “I think it's great to be a concerned consumer," she says. "People should feel empowered."

The eco-friendly tattoo community is still relatively new, so sharing the love is an important step. “As a customer, one of the biggest things you can do is simply support artists and shops whose values align with your own," says Rebecca.

So, after investing in some sustainable art, be sure to share the work on social! The simple step supports the artist and the movement in general.