When I started Eco Printing, what captivated me the most was the resonance of the word “Eco.”

Phrases like Eco Bag, Eco Life, Eco-Friendly, etc., have become common, and I believe it’s because people’s awareness of protecting the Earth’s environment has grown. 

Isn’t it just wonderful? I thought to myself.

Eco Printing uses plant materials, print on the material using plant’s own pigment which does not require chemical dyes.

I instantly thought eco printing is called “Eco”  because it’s an environmentally friendly method. It sounded fantastic.

In my research, the name “Eco Printing” was created by an Australian artist named India Flint, who is also the inventor of Eco Printing. 

I was inspired by her book, Eco colour, and her famous deep red Eucalyptus Eco Print artwork.

India Flint’s Website
www.indiaflint.com

India Flint’s Books
www.indiaflint.net

Her first book, “Eco Colour,” is considered a bible for Eco Printers worldwide.

In summary, she explains why she wrote the book clothes dyed with chemical dyes bleed color every time they’re washed, releasing toxins and polluting the environment. Similarly, clothes made from PET bottles release tiny plastic particles into the sea with each wash. On the other hand, natural-dyed clothes naturally fade with washing, just like how we get white hair and more wrinkles as we age

The message is simple: if the color fades, just dye it again.

In her book, she emphasizes Eco Printing by minimizing water and energy usage through practices such as recycling and conservation. I didn’t initially know that India Flint was the mother of Eco Printing, so I desperately searched the internet for information on Eco Printing. I started by jotting down information from various sites in a notebook and experimenting with the gathered knowledge.

As I witnessed the unique and incredibly beautiful works of Eco Printers worldwide, I became eager to print similar pieces myself. I invested money in educational materials, read discussions about Eco Printing techniques on Facebook groups, and gradually found myself questioning what exactly was eco-friendly about this process.

Of course, everyone wants to create beautiful prints, and the creativity and artistic excellence of these individuals are at the level of art pieces that should be exhibited in museums. I don’t assume that these people don’t care about the Earth’s environment; everyone has their own way of doing things. However, as I experimented with various techniques, I realized that if something makes me feel guilty for not being eco-friendly, I should avoid using it. So, if I find aspects of someone’s method that don’t align with my philosophy, I can learn from someone else whose approach resonates with me.

There’s no need to force yourself to use something you don’t want to use. Eco Printing is a relatively new dyeing method, and there’s still much we don’t know. Perhaps you’ll discover a groundbreaking technique while experimenting with Eco Printing. For example, I use my homemade soap for everything – dishwashing, shampooing, you name it. However, my Aussie partner believes that my soap removes too much sebum from his skin, worsening his eczema. So, he buys commercially available liquid soap without soap ingredients for his use. My daughter prefers the fragrance of store-bought soap, but I can’t stand the artificial scent that sticks to the skin!

It’s challenging to determine who is the most environmentally friendly. Maybe using soap or detergent itself is wrong. Therefore, if you have your own policy, stick to it. There’s no need to tell others that their methods are wrong. What I’m cautious about in my Eco Printing practice includes:

Minimizing the use of plastic products (buckets, cups, vinyl cords, plastic sheets, cling film) and avoiding buying tools made of plastic.
Minimizing the use of metal mordants, and if used, keeping it to the necessary minimum until I fully understand the disposal methods.
Collecting plant materials only from fallen sources or, if taken from trees, asking and expressing gratitude minimally.
Minimizing waste and energy usage, always considering rational methods.
Using rainwater whenever possible for dyeing.
Also, although silk, an animal fiber, is enticing for its vibrant colors, high cost and my personal resistance to the traditional method of boiling silkworms make me hesitant to try it. If there’s an eco-friendly silk option in the future, I might consider using it. Despite saying all this, I’m not a saint—I love chicken as a pet, but I also love fried chicken!

In conclusion, whether Eco Printing is eco-friendly or not is subjective, and the best thing is to enjoy Eco Printing without guilt. I’m sure everyone loves the moment of unwrapping their Eco Print creations! When I feel the pure joy of others sharing their prints in the group, it brings joy to me too. Everyone involved in Eco Printing loves plants and overflows with love for nature. While experimenting with Eco Printing, you’re likely to find a way that suits you. I want to do Eco Printing in a way that makes my beloved nature happy.