In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of our choices, from the food we eat to the products we use, it’s time to consider the impact of our home decor choices. One often overlooked aspect is the paint adorning our walls. Traditional paints can contain a cocktail of toxic chemicals that not only harm the environment during production but also release harmful fumes into our homes. Enter eco-friendly paints, a breath of fresh air for both the environment and our well-being. Let’s delve into the myriad benefits of choosing eco-friendly paints for your next home project.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Traditional paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution and are harmful to human health. Eco-friendly paints, on the other hand, are formulated with low or zero VOCs, significantly reducing their environmental impact.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Traditional paints release VOCs into the air for an extended period, contributing to the infamous “new paint smell.” In contrast, eco-friendly paints release fewer harmful emissions, creating a healthier indoor environment.
- Safe for All Ages: Speaking of families, eco-friendly paints are a safe choice for homes with children and pets. With fewer toxic chemicals in their composition, these paints eliminate the worry of little ones breathing in harmful fumes or coming into contact with hazardous substances.
- Sustainable Ingredients: Many eco-friendly paints are made from sustainable and renewable resources. Plant-based ingredients and natural pigments derived from sources like clay and minerals are common in these paints.
- Less Environmental Waste: Eco-friendly paints often come in containers made from recycled materials and are themselves recyclable. This reduces the overall environmental footprint of your painting project.
- Durability and Longevity: Contrary to the belief that eco-friendly options compromise on quality, many of these paints are known for their durability and longevity. The use of high-quality, sustainable ingredients ensures that your walls remain vibrant and your paint job stands the test of time.
- Support for Responsible Brands: Choosing eco-friendly paints aligns with a commitment to responsible consumerism. By supporting brands that prioritize environmental stewardship, you contribute to a market shift towards sustainability.
Here’s a detailed list of some top proven eco-friendly paint brands that are known for their commitment to sustainability, low VOC formulations, and environmentally conscious practices:
- Sherwin-Williams Harmony:
- About: As one of the oldest and most recognizable paint companies in the world, Sherwin-Williams has emphasizes sustainable practices, including waste reduction and energy efficiency in their manufacturing processes. Harmony Paint from Sherwin-Williams was first introduced several years ago as a zero VOC interior coating with a long lasting finish and antimicrobial agents that resist the growth of mold and mildew.
- Sustainability: The ‘Harmony’ formula has now been enhanced with Odor Eliminating Technology, which helps reduce ambient odors from organic sources. Sherwin-Williams has now upgraded the flat and eg-shel sheens with Formaldehyde Reducing Technology which reduces airborne concentrations of formaldehyde and other aldehydes. Today, Sherwin-Williams is the only company with a colorant system that is GREENGUARD certified.
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra:
- About: Initially known as Linseed Oil Products Company founded by Otto Behr Jr, the company evolved into the Behr Process Corporation. In 1978 Behr initiated a retail partnership with retail giant Home Improvement.
- Sustainability: Behr has initiatives to minimize environmental impact, including responsible sourcing of raw materials. More than 100 of BEHR’s products are GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)/chemical emissions. As a proud partner of The Home Depot Eco Actions Program, the company has become a sustainable giant by recycling more than 7.5 million pounds of material on average annually which diverts more than 83% of refuse from entering a landfill.
- EcoFast Gel Paints:
- About: Eco Safety Products (ESP) has established nearly 20 years of field experience that spans across the globe. The company’s overall mission is geared towards protecting, preserving, and beautifying green building spaces with safer bio-renewable chemistry. Low VOC, quick-drying, and available in a variety of colors.
- Sustainability: EcoFast Gel Paints are made with eco-friendly ingredients and are produced using sustainable practices. From the DIY homeowner to Fortune 500 organizations, EcoFast helps building owners, occupants, and installers avoid chemical toxicity dangers and achieve better indoor air quality while reducing the carbon footprint. EcoFast evaluates and screen every ingredient using a third party service partner that compares the ingredient data against current GreenScreen, LBC, US-EPA, PFAS, and other leading chemical databases prior to launching a product development project.
- The Real Milk Paint Co.:
- About: RMP was started after its founder Dwayne Siever, noticed that certain modern-day paints couldn’t mimic what was originally used on antiques.
- Sustainability: As a water-based paint, Real Milk Paint Co uses an environmentally friendly formula that is free of nasty volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Their kid-safe paints contain simple ingredients such as milk protein, lime, and earth-based pigments for color.
Additionally, always check the latest product information and certifications to ensure that the brand aligns with your sustainability goals. As we adorn our living spaces with color and personality, let’s do so with a conscientious brush. Eco-friendly paints offer a palette of benefits that extend beyond aesthetics. From safeguarding our health to reducing environmental impact, these paints provide a sustainable and responsible choice for the conscious homeowner. Make your next painting project an eco-conscious endeavor, and let your walls reflect not just your style, but your commitment to a greener, healthier future.