Paint composition, in the past, has been illogical. Why would you want to lather your room and affect your air quality with a substance that requires ventilation or the risk of dizziness? What’s worse is what’s making you dizzy- a combination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carcinogens. It seems the formulation process shouldn’t have stopped here. Luckily, innovative, green thinkers have formulated many safe, eco-friendly paints in any color imaginable.
Here are some of the major manufacturers of green paint and products.
Olympic is the most widely accessible green paint brand, as it is available at Lowe’s and now Sear’s, in over a 1000 hues; they are one of the less expensive brands. Olympic paint and primer contain zero VOCs.
American Pride Paint is nontoxic and carcinogen free, zero VOC latex paint. It was originally designed as a healthier option for the US Department of Defense, by scientists at the University of Southern Mississippi. American Pride Paint is Green Wise certified, better for air quality and odor, durable and washable.
Anna Sova has nearly any green piece of home décor and clothing you could imagine, including eco-friendly paints. Anna Sova’s Food Paints are milk-based and 99 percent of the other ingredients are also food based, meaning totally organic. The cool thing about this paint is you can mix aromatherapy oil into the finish to seal in a sweet smell to any room.
Bio-Shield is a well trusted, green paint formula that is VOC free and nontoxic. This is a natural clay-based paint, creating richer colors. They also have eco-friendly stains, finishes, and household cleaners. This paint brand can be found at numerous home improvement centers and online.
Benjamin Moore’s paint is cost-effective, low VOC and low odor. This is high-quality paint. His Aura line claims to never need more than two coats. The Natura line is totally natural and the color choices are limitless.
Kelly-Moore paint has no relationship to Benjamin Moor paint, but is just as eco-friendly. Kelly-Moore paint is always made from a minimum of 50 percent recycled paint and can be purchased for both indoor and outdoor home improvement projects.
Paint Stripping is another story. How your remove your paint, if you remove your paint, depend on how old it is. Paints dating before the mid 1970s should just get covered, as removing them will unleash toxic chemicals generously thrown into older, eco-Unaware paints.
Silent Paint Remover is a handheld device that uses infrared heat to melt paint away. I think this product is nearly worthless unless it’s unharmful latex paint you’re removing. I don’t think this is as safe as it claims to be.
Soy Clean is soy based and removes a variety of paints. This is a safer product to use your paint project. They also sell a line of organic cleaning supplies.
Painting is a fun, cost effective way to alter a room. Make sure your fun and decorating doesn’t destroy the air quality and use green paints.
