The EPA has stated that indoor air can be up to three times more polluted than outdoor air because of emissions from paint, building materials, furniture, carpet, adhesives, among other things. Seriously?! As if I wasn't tossing and turning enough already.
Because of all the press about indoor air pollution, paint is a topic that's received plenty of attention lately. Fortunately for those of us trying to keep a stylish, family friendly and healthy home, many paint manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon quickly. Non-toxic paints are readily available everywhere from large paint manufacturers like Benjamin Moore, to smaller labels. A nice side benefit is that the demand for non-toxic paint has spawned interest in some smaller, more entrepreneurial paint brands. I always like it when the little guys benefit from a media blitz.
If you've recently seen the "Sex and the City" movie and are thinking about painting all your millwork black like I am, you're also probably thinking about how to choose a non-toxic paint. Here are a few things you should know:
There are three categories of non-toxic paints: natural, low VOC and zero VOC.
Natural paints are made from all natural ingredients. Water based natural paints give off no smell, oil based natural paints usually have a nice fragrance from the natural oils that are used. Aglaia is a brand I like because they have interior paint for both walls and millwork and their color palette is beautiful.
Aglaia Natural Paints
Zero VOC is any paint with 5 grams per litre or less of volatile organic compounds. This type of paint is easier to find, and many big brands have a Zero VOC option in their line. I like Green Plant Paints because of their commitment to small scale production. It's a little harder to find, but the quality is really nice.
Low VOC is any paint with 200 grams per litre or less of volatile organic compounds. I like Benjamin Moore's Aura line, because their range of color grea , and the paint is formulated not to exceed 100 grams per litre.
Another nice benefit of using non-toxic paint is that it's not deemed hazardous waste, so is much easier deal with when you're finished. Who has time to find a HASMAT site to dispose of the leftovers?
Better yet, EarthEasy.com recommends using the BUD method when buying and using paint:
Buy only as much as you need, so there's no waste.
Use everything you buy.
Dispose responsibly -- if you do have leftovers, donate to a local charity who can use it rather than throwing it away.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Where Can I Get a Cute Gas Mask That Goes With My Decor?
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4 comments:
Never throw away unused paint, always donate it. There are a number of charities that will take paint. In some cases the charities mix small amounts together to get a full can and come up with some interesting colors. Kids like to paint so let em help. Buy them a pair of white painters coveralls, a painters hat, arm em with a disposable brush and let the fun begin. To protect your floors, first lay down a sheet of cheap plastic and then cover that with a good heavy duty canvas type floor cover, the bigger the better. Have a family paint party. End the party with a rinse off under the hose, a jump in the pool and a tasty dinner cooked by dad on the grill.
Sounds lilke a plan. Lets do it at SM Drive next time we are in Tucson. I will bring the kids, the paint, and everything! JPF
You are gonna love this. Ever heard of milk paint. Yep, seriously, milk paint. It has been around for centuries. Woodworkers who specialize in Colonial and Shaker furniture are familar with it. It contains no toxic ingredients. And it is easy to use. Milk paint comes in dry powder form so one only needs to mix what one will use. Its durability comes from its ingredients. Casein, a protein found in milk, is extremely hard when dry and adheres very well. Good product for PB to consider.
Yes....but what about the paint party with my kids at Sabino Mtn Dr?? I can't wait. Maybe we can get some of those paintball guns and have a party in the garage!
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