Green Paint for the Masses

One of the wonders of home ownership is the never ending list of projects...trust me when I tell you, my little house is an ongoing project-in-progress. When I looked around recently and noticed that the paint, so fresh and new just five years ago, is now dinged, scratched, smudged and otherwise unsightly I began to research eco-friendly ways to brighten the place up.

I realized that there are a plethora of green choices when it comes to paint and the benefits are huge, even if you might have to pay a smidge more for the eco choice than you do your basic old paint of the past. Here's what I found...

There are basically three types of eco-snuggly paints:

• Natural Paints and Finishes: made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils; natural minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum; milk casein, natural latex, bees' wax, earth and mineral dyes. Water-based natural paints give off almost no smell. The oil-based natural paints usually have a yummy fragrance of citrus or essential oils.

• Zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds): Any paint with VOC's in the range of 5 grams/litre or less can be called "Zero VOC", according to the EPA. (Some manufacturers may claim "Zero-VOC's", but these paints may still use colorants, biocides and fungicides with some VOC's).

• Low VOC: Low VOC paints, stains and varnishes use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents and contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde. The amount of VOC's varies among different "low-VOC" products, and is usually listed on the paint can. Paints and stains, to meet EPA standards, must not contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams per litre.

Why buy green paint?  EarthEasy makes it easy to understand:

• Reduced toxins benefit everyone, including those with allergies and chemical sensitivities.
• Reduces landfill, groundwater and ozone depleting contaminants.
• Low-VOC products perform well in terms of coverage, scrubability and hideability (covering flaws on previous coats).
• Water-Based. Easy cleanup with soap and warm water.
• Little or No Hazardous Fumes. Low odor during application; no odor once cured. No off-gassing. Painted areas can be occupied sooner, with no odor complaints.
• Non-toxic paints isn't considered hazardous waste, which makes cleanup and disposal greatly simplified.

For an exhaustive list of all kinds of non-toxic paints, finishes and stains and where to get 'em, check out EARTHEASY.