I never thought I’d be writing about sustainable tattoos.

And yet, here we are.

Recently I sat for six hours while Justin from The Wolves Den worked patiently and meticulously on my tattoo. Somewhere between the first stencil placement and the final wipe-down, I realised this process had far more in common with sustainability than I’d ever considered.

Stencil placement

When we talk about sustainability, we often think about food, gardens, waste reduction, or energy use. But for me, sustainability is also about how we sustain ourselves. The people we choose to support us. The care taken in the process. The long view.

And tattooing, done properly, is absolutely a long-view art.

More Than “Just” Putting Ink on Skin

One of the things Justin and I discussed is that tattooing isn’t a job you do for easy money. It’s something you do for the love of the art.

For every hour spent tattooing, there are hours of unpaid work behind the scenes:

• Designing the piece
• Redrawing and refining
• Adjusting for placement
• Ensuring it flows with the body
• Making sure it will age well over time

A tattoo isn’t a flat image being stuck onto a flat surface. It has to wrap, move, and live on a body that bends, stretches, and changes. Placement matters. Proportion matters. Body shape matters.

A good tattooist thinks about all of this before the machine even turns on.

That’s not just art.

That’s care.

The Science Behind the Art

Something that fascinated me was hearing Justin explain how he mixes his own shade of black.

Not all blacks are the same.

Different shades show up differently on different skin tones. Different skin types hold ink differently. Some skin takes ink quickly; some requires a slower, more layered approach. Some areas of the body are tougher. Some are delicate. Some fade differently over time.

A sustainable tattoo isn’t about copying an image from Pinterest and hoping for the best.

Still fresh & sore

It’s about understanding:

• The chemistry of ink
• The biology of skin
• The individuality of the person wearing it

It’s skilled, technical work layered underneath creativity.

What Do I Mean by a “Sustainable Tattoo”?

I don’t mean eco-ink or bamboo aftercare products (though that’s a separate conversation).

I mean this:

A sustainable tattoo is one created in partnership.

It’s finding the right person who will:

• Support your idea
• Gently refine your vision
• Explain what will and won’t work
• Adjust for your skin type
• Consider your body’s shape and movement
• Care about the final result as much as you do

Sometimes that means suggesting changes.
Sometimes it means saying, “This won’t work the way you think it will.”
And sometimes it means a tattooist having to decide whether to complete a job they aren’t proud of — or decline it altogether.

That’s not ego.

That’s integrity.

And integrity is sustainable.

How Does a Tattooist Sustain Themselves?

Our conversation turned to something we don’t often think about.

How does a tattooist sustain themselves?

They are artists. Small business owners. Designers. Technicians. Emotional holders of space. And — let’s be honest — professional pain inflictors.

Not the quick, “just a scratch” kind of pain.

The six-hour session kind.
The multiple-session kind.

Sustaining myself for the long haul

There is a mental load in knowing you are causing someone discomfort — even willingly, even consensually — and needing to stay calm, focused, steady and precise for every minute of it.

There’s physical strain — hours spent hunched forward, leaning across bodies to reach awkward angles, holding intense focus while your back, neck and shoulders quietly protest. Tattooing can be uncomfortable for the body performing it.

There’s creative pressure. There’s reputation. There’s the vulnerability of putting permanent art into the world attached to your name.

Staying sustainable in that kind of work takes boundaries. It takes pride in craftsmanship. It takes saying no when necessary. Choosing clients carefully. Loving the art more than the income.

And perhaps most of all, it takes caring enough about the work — and about yourself — to ensure you can keep doing it long term.

Why This Matters to Me

In my business, I talk a lot about personal sustainability — especially for women.

About building systems and support that allow you to continue doing what you love without burning out.

Sitting in that chair today, I realised something.

The themes are the same.

There is the mental load — holding space for others, carrying responsibility, thinking ahead.

There is the physical load — the long days, the tired bodies, the tension we ignore because there’s still more to do.

There is the creative and reputational pressure — wanting to do meaningful work, to do it well, to have it reflect who we truly are.

And then there are the boundaries.

The quiet, powerful decisions about what we will say yes to.
What we will reshape.
What we will decline.
What we will protect.

Watching Justin from The Wolves Den work reminded me that sustainability isn’t just about the person receiving the service.

It’s about the practitioner too.

Ellen’s Evaluation

When we choose people who care deeply about their craft — whether it’s a tattooist, a gardener, a teacher, or a facilitator — we are choosing sustainability.

We are choosing long-term thinking over short-term convenience.
Quality over speed.
Relationship over transaction.

And we are also reminded to offer that same care to ourselves.

Never thought I’d be saying this, but yes – sustainable tattoos are absolutely a thing.

And maybe sustainable lives are built the very same way — slowly, intentionally, and with people who honour the craft. A huge Thank You to Justin, for supporting my in my tattoo journey and for honouring your craft.

In a world grappling with climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, the role of our youth in driving sustainable change has never been more crucial. Encouraging and supporting young people to learn about sustainability and to pursue their ideas, goals, and dreams is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. I believe that the future of our planet lies in the hands of our youth, and their potential to create a greener, more sustainable world.

The Power of Youth in Sustainability

Young people bring a unique perspective to sustainability. They are naturally curious, innovative, and passionate about making a difference. This generation has grown up with an acute awareness of environmental issues, thanks to the internet and social media. They are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in the dialogue about our planet’s future. By nurturing their interest and providing them with the tools and resources they need, we can harness their potential to drive meaningful change.

Why Support Matters

Supporting youth in sustainability is about more than just education; it is about empowerment. When young people feel supported, they are more likely to pursue their ideas and take action. This support can come in many forms:

1. Education and Awareness: Providing young people with accurate information about environmental issues is the first step. This includes integrating sustainability into school curriculums and offering extracurricular programs focused on environmental science and eco-friendly practices.

2. Mentorship and Guidance: Connecting young people with mentors who are experienced in sustainability can provide invaluable guidance. Mentors can help young people navigate challenges, refine their ideas, and turn their dreams into reality.

3. Resources and Funding: Many young people have brilliant ideas but lack the resources to implement them. By providing funding, materials, and access to technology, we can help bring their projects to life.

4. Community Support: A supportive community can make all the difference. Encouraging family, friends, and local organizations to back young people’s initiatives can boost their confidence and provide a network of support.

Fostering Innovation

Innovation is at the heart of sustainability, and young people are natural innovators. They are not bound by the status quo and are willing to think outside the box. Encouraging this innovative spirit can lead to groundbreaking solutions to environmental challenges. From developing new technologies to creating sustainable businesses, the possibilities are endless when we invest in the creativity and determination of our youth.

Real-World Examples

There are countless examples of young people making a significant impact in sustainability:

• Greta Thunberg: At just 15, Greta began her climate strikes, inspiring millions of young people worldwide to demand action on climate change. Her determination and activism have brought global attention to the urgent need for environmental action.

• Boyan Slat: As a teenager, Boyan founded The Ocean Cleanup, an organization dedicated to removing plastic from the world’s oceans. His innovative approach and persistence have resulted in the development of advanced technologies aimed at addressing one of our most pressing environmental issues.

• Maya Penn: A young entrepreneur, Maya started her eco-friendly fashion company at the age of 8. She uses her platform to advocate for sustainable fashion and environmental awareness, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.

These young leaders exemplify what is possible when youth are encouraged and supported in their sustainability efforts. Their stories inspire other young people to believe in their ability to effect change and remind us all of the power of determination and innovation.

Ellen’s Evaluation

The journey towards a sustainable future is a collective effort, and our youth are at the forefront of this movement. By supporting and encouraging them, we are investing in a brighter, greener future for all. We need to foster the potential of young people and help them turn their sustainability dreams into reality. Let’s work together to empower the next generation and create a sustainable world.

Together, we can create a world where young people’s ideas and dreams for a greener planet become a reality. Let’s Make One Change to support them. Comment below what your change will be.

However, one of the most important things that we can do to help preserve our planet is to focus on our own self-interest – when we make more sustainable choices, we improve our lives in many ways.

Being selfish benefits the planet

We need to focus on sustainable living not only for the planet but for our own well-being. When we live unsustainable lifestyles, it takes a toll on our health both mentally and physically. By making sustainable choices, we can help preserve our planet and create a healthier balance in our own lives. 

“Put your own oxygen mask on first.”  If we are unable to sustain our minds, bodies and spirits, how can we support and care for others, much less the planet. 

If you died today from a stress- or lifestyle-related illness, your family would be devastated and your work would be inconvenienced. The planet would still continue on the same but it would benefit so much more if you and your potential to make changes were still around.

In this article, we will explore five surprising reasons why Sustainability Needs to Start With Ourselves.

How You Can Start Living Sustainably

Many people have heard the term sustainable living, but not everyone understands what it means. Sustainable living is simply living in a way that meets our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In other words, it’s about living in harmony with the planet.

There are many ways to live sustainably, but they all start with a basic respect for nature.

Reducing chemicals in our lives

The environment is critical to our health. By reducing the number of chemicals we use, we help reduce the environmental impact of our activities.

When we use fewer chemicals, we also help reduce the impact of our activities on the environment. This is important not only for the planet but also for our own health. Chemicals can be found in many aspects of our lives, from the food we eat to the cleaning products we use.

While they may make our lives easier in the short term, they can also have harmful effects on our health. Studies have linked exposure to chemicals to a variety of health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and developmental problems.

By reducing the number of chemicals we’re exposed to, we can help protect our health. Additionally, choosing cleaning products and personal care products that are made with natural ingredients can help reduce the environmental impact of our activities.

Maintaining a healthy balance in our lives

Sustainability is important for many reasons, but one of the most important is that it can help us maintain a healthy balance in our lives. With our work and lives becoming increasingly more demanding and stressful, it’s more important than ever to focus on our own well-being. In this context, sustainability is not just about preserving our planet – it is about preserving our own well-being.

Self-interest is not a new concept. In fact, it is something that has been talked about for centuries. The Greek philosopher Aristotle argued that humans are selfish by nature and that we should focus on our own self-interest in order to achieve eudaimonia, or “human flourishing.”

Sustainable living can help reduce our carbon footprint

Climate change is a real and pressing threat, and one of the ways we can help reduce our carbon footprint is by being more sustainable. Sustainable living involves reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources and conserving energy. In addition, sustainability can help us conserve natural resources and preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. 

Better planning can help us to reduce our vehicle usage, saving us time, money and decreasing our environmental impact. Walking or riding a bike when possible can help our physical and mental health, and definitely reduces our carbon footprint.

Buy fresh food locally

Buying locally sourced food allows us more options for choice and is one of the most important things we can do to live sustainably. Not only does it reduce our carbon footprint by cutting down on transportation emissions, but it also supports sustainable farming practices. When we buy locally sourced food, we are choosing to support farmers who are using sustainable methods to produce their food.

Additionally, supporting local businesses helps to keep money within our community, which strengthens the local economy and helps to grow sustainable communities.

Sustainability can help us live a more ethical life

Sustainable living is a way of life that is focused on meeting our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This means using resources in a way that doesn’t damage or destroy ecosystems. It also means finding ways to meet our needs without causing pollution or using up too much of the Earth’s resources.

Resource scarcity can lead to inequality of power within groups. When this happens, it can lead to conflict and tension and can result in members feeling marginalized or excluded. Because sustainability can help find ways to use resources more efficiently, it can help tackle these issues.

Sustainable living is often seen as something that only environmentalists or “tree huggers” are interested in, but the truth is that it’s something we should all be striving for. After all, we all want to live on a healthy planet where we can enjoy clean air, freshwater, and plenty of green space. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to start making sustainable living a priority.

Ellen’s Evaluation

In conclusion, it’s in our self-interest to focus on sustainability. The benefits of sustainable living are many, and they are worth taking the time to explore. When we make more sustainable choices, we improve our lives in many ways. By being more sustainable, we can help protect our planet and its resources for future generations.

I’m off to be selfish, give myself permission to have “Me Time” in my garden, and enjoy this beautiful planet we live on. Let me know what you are going to choose for your sustainably selfish self-care in the comments below.

Firstly, work out what exactly (or as near as you can) you want to achieve in terms of sustainable living. Is your goal to have a veggie garden and eat healthier, reduce you water and power bills, reduce chemical use in your house? You need to start being as specific as you can and form a picture of what you want in your mind. Use a photo board or journal to help you visualise. Keep a small notebook or open a note on your phone or electronic tablet to jot things down when you think of them. Write down the things that you are not happy with currently but make sure to write down the things you are doing well and have made a start on. It’s very easy to get bogged down in all the things we do wrong or don’t do right and forget about what we have achieved so far.

Once you have an idea of what you want to achieve, you need to factor in the things in your life that will have an impact on your goals and how you go about working towards them. Things like house or apartment, are you on a large block or a small unit space, family, work and weekend commitments, time availability. It’s not much good me saying I want to make my own dairy products and spin my own wool from my own cattle and sheep when I live on a small unit size block and have heavy family commitments that only allow me an hour a week of available free time. We don’t want to be so caught up in struggling to do all the things to maintain our sustainable lifestyle that it becomes a chore with no time to relax and enjoy. Make sure you factor in self care time, family time, social time, whatever it is that you do to switch off and recharge.

Start one step at a time and work on that so it becomes habit and you are happy with the way it’s working. You may need to tweak things sometimes or you may find ways of improving on what you are doing. I started with veggie gardens because they were the first priority for me. I wanted to start growing my own food to enable my family to eat healthier, reduce my food miles and impact on the planet and save some money. I started with straw bale gardening because I had read it worked really well and I was curious.

Setting up a worm farm and composting system might be more important to you so you can reduce your waste going to landfill. Whatever it is, Just Do It! Make a start. If we all changed just one thing, thing of how different our world could be. 🙂