Choosing eco paints for your next project is an easy way to reduce waste and contribute to a healthier living environment. These emulsion paints typically require no primer and come with easy soap-and-water cleanup, cutting down on time and hassle.
Look for green paint labels and certifications to find products that meet sustainability standards. Low and zero VOC options, as well as nontoxic materials, help make painting projects safe for kids and pets.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Most traditional chemical paints contain three main components: pigments for color and opacity, binder to hold the pigment in place, and solvents to keep both in liquid form. These chemicals are notorious for their toxicity, with many associated health risks and the potential to impact indoor air quality and even contribute to asthma. Eco-friendly options, on the other hand, are typically low in VOCs and formulated with natural ingredients.
Most natural paints are water-based and emit little-to-no odor during and after application, though some may have a mild fragrance from natural oils or citrus. Unlike conventional paints, which can trap moisture on the wall and lead to mold or mildew, eco-friendly options are breathable and help prevent condensation from damaging walls and furniture.
The most common ingredient in eco-friendly paint is linseed oil, followed by plant resins and milk proteins (casein). Some manufacturers use other natural ingredients like alum, clay, glycerine, beeswax, essential oils, and mineral dyes. They also often feature a preservative that is made from natural substances such as copper, iron, or zinc.
Additionally, many sustainable paints have a lower VOC content and do not contain chemical fungicides, biocides, or metals such as cadmium or chromium. This makes them safe to use in homes with children or pets, and some options, such as Real Milk Paint, can be used on wood furniture and utensils without needing a sealant.
Reduced VOCs
Many paint companies are trying to make their products more eco-friendly, and one way is by reducing the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in their product. VOCs are carbon-containing chemicals that become vapors or gases when exposed to air, and they’re found in a wide variety of everyday household items like paint, stain and cleaning products. These gases can cause a number of health problems, including eye irritation and respiratory issues.
To reduce the amount of VOCs in their products, companies often use different resins, or add a chemical to help them evaporate more slowly. This helps them achieve the same look and performance as traditional paints without the harmful effects on the environment or the occupants of the house. There are a variety of low to zero VOC paints available, and it’s best to check that they have an eco-friendly label like Green Seal or Greenguard Gold, as this indicates that the product has met environmental criteria.
Another option is to choose a natural paint, such as chalk paint or milk paint, which can be entirely VOC-free. However, these aren’t suitable for every project, and they may require extra effort to prepare the surface or cover up imperfections in the wall. Additionally, these types of paints are often more expensive than conventional brands. However, if your primary concern is eliminating toxic chemicals from your home, they’re definitely worth the extra investment.
Biodegradable
Eco-friendly paints are nontoxic alternatives that can be used to adorn walls without damaging the environment. They have low VOC content and are made from natural materials like balsam, citrus, lay or milk proteins. The manufacturing process of these paints produces fewer harmful fumes that negatively affect indoor air quality, and they also emit less toxic waste into the environment. In addition, the ingredients of these paints are biodegradable.
Conventional chemical-based paints release toxic compounds into the air during production and even years after they are applied to your home’s walls. These toxic compounds have a detrimental effect on indoor air quality, and they can even cause long-term damage to the environment. Conventional paints also contain metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and silver. These metals have a negative impact on soil and water quality.
While some paints claim to be eco-friendly, they may still contain VOC solvents, chemical pigments and fungicides, which is not a good choice for the environment. Make sure that any paint you choose is low-VOC, and avoid toxins like formaldehyde.
Using eco-friendly paints will help you create a more sustainable home. Choosing green paints will ensure that the environment and your family are protected, and they will last for a long time. You should also consider purchasing recycled or reusable supplies to minimize the amount of garbage you generate during your painting project.
Nontoxic
Traditional chemical paints emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which linger in the air for years after application, wafting pollutants that can cause health problems, including respiratory issues like asthma. However, eco friendly paints are made with natural ingredients that reduce or eliminate VOCs altogether, so they’re less damaging to the environment and your lungs.
They’re also low in odor, making it easy to personalize crafts and furnishings without requiring ventilation while you work. Most eco-friendly paints use natural raw materials like lemon peel extract, seed oil and beeswax that don’t produce harmful emissions during manufacturing or upon product application.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, nontoxic paints also contain fewer biocides, fungicides and metals used as pigments such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. This makes them a great choice for those with sensitive skin or who have allergies to common chemicals used in most commercial products such as Bisphenol A (BPA), methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) solvents, Isothiazolinone preservatives and alkylphenol ethoxylates.
Some brands of eco-friendly paints offer special additives that make them resistant to mold and mildew, as well as stains, abrasion and scuffing. For example, Real Milk Paints have a special Outdoor Additive that prevents the paint from cracking and fading in extreme weather, while Benjamin Moore offers their Ultra Spec line of zero-VOC acrylic paints with a Declare label that lists every ingredient down to 0.01% (they’re one of only two paint brands to do this). Some of these products may still contain some VOCs, but not enough to be considered toxic.