Apparently that tattoo might not be so eco-friendly.

A few months ago I finally worked up the nerve to get a tattoo – something I’ve wanted for several years. Want to see?



Pretty snazzy, huh? I love it. Without going into details, suffice it to say that the two animals have deep meaning for me. (Which is a good thing, because that sucker’s going to be on there a long time.)

Considering I’m so in love with my tattoo, it probably won’t come as a surprise when I say I’m probably going to get another. (And maybe another after that!) Not like it’s going to harm anything, right?

Well, maybe right.

I recently read this post online from the Guardian, and apparently tattoos aren’t exactly the most eco-friendly thing in the world. Sometimes, the inks can contain heavy metals and plastic. And, “Similarly, many vegetarians and vegans would think twice if they knew that most tattoo pigments incorporate glycerin from animal fats, and that black ink is derived from animal bone.”

Hmm, that doesn’t sound so pleasant at all.

Now, granted, the above is just one writer’s research and opinion, but it does give me pause to think. Will it stop me from getting another tattoo? Probably not. But it will cause me to investigate my local artist and shop a little more to see what her practices are and exactly what her dyes contain.

Interested in tattoos, but not quite ready to make the commitment? I recommend going with something along the lines of a henna ink tattoo or recycled paper transfer tattoo. Both methods are pretty eco-friendly and, best of all, temporary.



As far as I’m concerned, the bottom line is that you’re free to express yourself… just make sure you do it with conscience.

By Gingerly Green of Two Girls Go Green (@TwoGirlsGoGreen)