The use of harmful chemicals in the printing process poses risks to both human health and the environment. Printing processes often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous waste, contributing to air and water pollution. This article reviews the choices of materials in traditional processes of printmaking studies in art and design foundation. Leveraging the principles of improving environmental friendliness, this article examines the utilization of materials such as ink, paper, etc., and processes in printmaking studies to integrate eco-friendly materials and techniques of printmaking into contemporary art and design education. Choices of materials, printing materials, including papers, inks, and processes involved thereof across fifteen art and design programs situated in Bengaluru’s different schools of arts and design, institutes/departments within universities are critically reviewed. For informing the conscious choices of materials a Material Group, Origin, and Renewability Classification matrix is applied. Results from the survey and suggestions from the matrix indicate that significant environmental impact can be avoided using contemporary alternatives. Further, this study discusses actionable strategies for integrating eco-friendly practices into the foundation design curriculum, underscoring the importance of post-processing in eco-friendly printing. By emphasizing the significance of responsible consumption and waste management early in foundation studies, the study aims to nurture environmental stewardship in art and design students.