As part of the Angus Festival of Makers and in collaboration with Sustainable Kirriemuir, the Kirrie Krafters and Kirrie Connection, artist and curator Deirdre Bennett ran a sustainable print workshop using waste tetra-pak cartons on handmade paper. The workshop was designed to demonstrate how general household waste materials can be utilised to create beautiful artworks without damaging the environment. Tetra-pak cartons are recyclable plastic and aluminium coated cardboard cartons used to hold milk or juice. These cartons are recyclable however it is not a simple process, so it is great to get a secondary use out of them. The paper printed on was made from reconstituted household bills that would normally be burned or shredded and end up in landfill. Often the traditional printing process can have a negative impact on the environment due to chemicals within the inks and cleaning materials as well as the etching process. It was important for this workshop to ensure that most of the materials used including inks and cleaners were ecologically safe.

Art does not have to be destructive to the planet. This is particularly important in a world that is struggling under the weight of consumerism.

Creatives Involved:

• Elizabeth Reid
• Irene Robertson
• Pamela Reid
• Ann Findlay
• Janet L Wilson
• Debbie McGregor
• Jean Elder
• Kristen Thomson