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Tips for Choosing Eco-Friendly Paint for Your Home Interior

Newtown, PA

10/27/2024 07:35 AM

Tips for Choosing Eco-Friendly Paint for Your Home Interior in Newtown, PA

As more people become more aware of sustainability efforts, many homeowners may become interest with the advocacy and opt for eco-friendly materials.

This includes painting projects, specifically with the kind of paint you use.

Eco-friendly paint formulations can improve your indoor air quality, reduce your carbon footprint, and support a healthier planet. But how should one know which paint is truly eco-friendly?

To help you with that, here are Tips for Choosing Eco-Friendly Paint for Your Home Interior.

1. Look for Low or Zero VOCs Formulation

When buying eco-friendly paint, one of the most important factors to consider is the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

VOCs are chemicals that are commonly found in paint formulation, which can also easily evaporate at room temperature and pose significant health risks.

Exposure to these fumes can lead to headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, and long-term health problems.

However, a lot of paint manufacturers have switched to low-VOC or zero-VOC formulations, branding them as eco-friendly paint.

While zero-VOC paints are the best option, keep in mind that some of them may still contain small amounts of VOCs in certain pigments.

So, make sure to check the product label or ask a paint professional at your local paint store for information regarding VOC levels on certain paint brands.

2. Choose Natural Paints When Possible

Another great way to ensure that your paint is eco-friendly is by opting for natural paints.

These paints are made from renewable resources and natural ingredients such as clay, plant oils, chalk, casein (milk protein), and natural pigments.

They also don’t contain synthetic chemicals, making them safer for both the environment and your home.

While they may be more expensive than traditional paints, the health benefits and reduced environmental impact can outweigh the higher cost.

This formulation will be ideal for people with chemical sensitivities, allergies, or respiratory conditions since they tend to have little to no odor!

3. Research Paint Certifications

When navigating the world of eco-friendly paints, certifications can help you make an informed decision.

Look for paint products that have been independently tested and certified by reputable environmental organizations.

Here are a few certifications that indicate a product is truly eco-friendly:

Green Seal: Green Seal certification signifies that the paint meets strict environmental and health standards, such as low VOC levels and reduced hazardous chemicals.
Greenguard: Greenguard-certified paints have been tested for low chemical emissions and are safe for use in indoor spaces.
LEED Certification: Paints that contribute to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits are eco-friendly and promote energy efficiency in buildings.
Cradle to Cradle: This certification ensures that the paint is made from safe materials and can be reused or recycled without harming the environment.

By reviewing these certifications, you get to be more confident that you’re purchasing a product that aligns with your safety preferences.

4. Buy from Responsible Companies

You’ll also want to support and purchase products from responsible, eco-friendly companies.

In buying eco-friendly paint products, you should know that it’s not just about what goes into the paint, but also about the company’s overall commitment to sustainability.

Many eco-friendly paint brands go the extra mile by adopting sustainable business practices, such as:

Using recycled or biodegradable packaging
Sourcing raw materials responsibly
Implementing energy-efficient manufacturing processes
Minimizing their carbon footprint and reducing their waste

When researching eco-friendly paint options, take the time to learn about the company’s environmental policies.

Brands that are transparent about their sustainability efforts often stand behind their products and are more likely to offer genuinely eco-friendly options.

5. Don’t Be Shy To Ask Around

Lastly, in finding the best-suited eco-friendly paint for your upcoming project, you should not be shy to ask around for help.

Paint stores around your vicinity usually have local paint professional onboard, and they usually have a good grasp of the products available on their shelves.

While it can be fun to explore the available variations out there, it’s also great advice to ask and seek help from a professional, as they can lead you to your best choices.

More importantly, your local paint professional will be happy to assist you with your needs – their interests are aligned wit your best interests after all!