Reconsidering Traditional Techniques
For example, felts and non-woven rayon can be used in place of blotters for blotter washing. The felts can then be washed and used again. They seem to get more absorbent and work better for this task the more they are rinsed. I have some photos that can be used here. Patty may, too - with textiles and rayon. The wooden stick from cotton swabs can be used repeatedly. Just use a canister with a small opening to remove the used cotton and roll a new one. (Yes! and not only does this not create much waste it is a lot cheaper to buy a package of cotton wool and some bamboo skewers than to buy a box of swabs. The other great advantage of making your own swabs is that you can make customized sizes for what you are working on. Tips for keeping the cotton on is to dip it in distilled water to slightly dampen it before rolling on the cotton, and occationally sharpening the tip with a rough sandpaper)
Although not technically a packing issue, reconsideration of framing, to protect artworks, is another area where we can have an impact. Engineering better framing systems to hold the environment better, keeping the environmental changes minimized when there’s failure of mechanical systems, reduces both damages to artworks and extreme burdens on mechanical systems.
Use soft natural sponges instead of cotton wool when cleaning large surfaces, or surfaces that can withstand less specific cleaning, such as stable glazed ceramics or stable stone. Sponges also have the benefit of not leaving fibers behind.
