What do you do if you're struggling to choose eco-friendly paints for your sustainable design projects?

1 What are eco-friendly paints?

Eco-friendly paints are paints that have a low or minimal impact on the environment and human health. They are made from natural or renewable materials, such as plant oils, minerals, clay, or milk. They have low or zero levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful chemicals that evaporate from conventional paints and cause air pollution and health problems. Eco-friendly paints also have low or no toxic additives, such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, or biocides.

2 Why choose eco-friendly paints?

Eco-friendly paints have many benefits for your sustainable design projects. They can improve the indoor air quality and comfort of your spaces, as they do not emit harmful fumes or odors. They can also enhance the aesthetic and sensory appeal of your spaces, as they offer a wide range of natural colors, textures, and finishes. Eco-friendly paints can also support your environmental and social goals, as they reduce your carbon footprint, save energy and water, and promote ethical and fair trade practices.

3 How to compare eco-friendly paints?

When comparing eco-friendly paints, it’s important to look at the ingredients, VOCs, additives, production methods, packaging, and certification. Look for natural, renewable, or recycled materials in the paint. Also check for low-VOC (less than 50 g/L) or zero-VOC (less than 5 g/L) paints, and paints that are free of toxic additives such as formaldehyde or heavy metals. Additionally, consider how the paint is made and sourced - look for paints that use renewable energy and have a low embodied energy and carbon footprint. Lastly, look for paints with minimal packaging that are recyclable or biodegradable, have a long shelf life and low wastage, and can be safely cleaned up with water or soap.

4 How to find eco-friendly paints?

Eco-friendly paints are becoming increasingly popular and accessible, however, they are still not widely available in all markets and regions. To find them, you can utilize online directories, such as the EcoSpecifier, the GreenSpec or the Green Building Product Directory. These directories can be searched by location, category or certification to find eco-friendly paints that meet your needs and preferences. Additionally, there are online reviews and blogs that provide experiences and opinions about eco-friendly paints, such as the Green Home Guide, the Eco Paint Review or the Eco Paint Blog. These reviews and blogs can give you insights and tips from other sustainable designers and users of eco-friendly paints. Moreover, you can connect with local networks of sustainable designers, builders and suppliers, such as the Green Building Council, the Sustainable Design Network or the Eco Design Association. Joining these networks or attending their events is a great way to get recommendations and referrals for eco-friendly paints in your area.

5 How to use eco-friendly paints?

Using eco-friendly paints can be a rewarding and satisfying experience for sustainable design projects. To get the most out of your paint selection, you need to pay attention to preparation, application, and maintenance. For preparation, you should clean, sand, and prime the surface with a compatible primer or undercoat. You also need to consider the temperature and humidity of the space. When applying the paint, use the appropriate tools and techniques, as well as follow the manufacturer's instructions. Lastly, for maintenance, use a cleaner, sealer, or finish that is suitable for eco-friendly paints. Avoid using harsh or abrasive chemicals or materials on the paint. By following these guidelines, you can create beautiful and healthy spaces that reflect your values and vision while reducing environmental and social impacts.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?