Eco-Friendly Paint

Everyone loves the look of a new coat of paint. But did you know that the smell of a freshly painted room comes from the toxic ingredients used as solvents in most conventional paints. These compounds, which are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), include benzene, formaldehyde, kerosene, ammonia, toluene and xylene, known carcinogens and neurotoxins. The majority of household paints are either alkyd (solvent/oil) or water (latex/plastic/emulsion) based. Alkyd paints contain 32 to 42 percent VOCs, while latex paints contain only 2 to 5 percent. However, latex paints can contain other preservatives, fungicides, and dangerous solvents .

While latex paints are generally preferable to oil-based paints, an even better option is the use of natural paints, which are usually made from citrus or other plant ingredients, milk protein, or clay. Because most natural paints do not use petrochemicals and are free of preservatives and biocides, they tend to be better for the environment and for your health. However, they take a lot longer to dry, are more difficult to apply, and are often more expensive than conventional paint. Also, natural paints are best suited for drier areas, as they are less resistant to mildew and molds.

The Green Guide offers this primer on some natural paint options:

Natural milk paints are virtually odorless and are made using the milk protein casein and lime to which are added earth pigments." They contain no solvents, preservatives or biocides, though some do have synthetic ingredients like acrylic and vinyl. They come in powdered form and once opened or mixed with water, they should be used quickly, as they can mold if left to stand for a few weeks.

Whitewashes, which only come in white, contain only lime paste, water and salt. They are a low cost option that, like milk paints, are more fragile and are best applied to plaster, cement or stucco walls.

Recycled paint, often a bargain at under $10 per gallon, is created when a few types of paints are consolidated into one. According to the Waste Watch Center, recycled paint should have a minimum of 50% recycled content and be available in consistent colors. However, because several paints are mixed together, recycled paint is often best suited for areas where consistent color is not required.

Natural paints are generally more difficult to find than conventional paints, but the following are a few good places to start looking:

Bioshield offers about 50 varieties of solvent-free paint.
The paint giant Sherwin Williams offers the eco-friendly Harmony line.
AFM Safecoat makes VOC-free paints that use pigments based on the ancient East Indian Ayurveda healing system.
Benjamin Moore also has a line of low-VOC paints.