5 Top Eco Paint Brands For Painting the Future Green
Are you tired of the strong chemical odors and harmful fumes that fill the air when you paint your home? Are you concerned about the impact that traditional paints have on the environment?
If so, it's time to discover the transformative power of eco-paint. In this blog post, we unravel the mysteries, advantages, and secrets behind eco paint.
Table of contents:
What is eco paint?
Eco paint, also known as environmentally friendly paint or sustainable paint, refers to a category of paint products that are designed with a focus on minimizing their environmental impact.
Eco paints are formulated to reduce or eliminate the use of harmful chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants commonly found in traditional paints.
The main goal of paint eco friendly is to provide a safer and more sustainable alternative for both human health and the environment help us to go green.
These paints prioritize the use of natural, non-toxic, and renewable ingredients, while minimizing or eliminating harmful substances such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, and other volatile chemicals.
What Is VOC And Why You Should Eliminate It in Your House Paint?
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are chemicals emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. In the context of house paint, VOCs are commonly found in traditional paint formulations and contribute to the strong odor often associated with freshly painted rooms.
However, VOCs pose more than just a nuisance to our senses—they can have significant impacts on both human health and the environment. We should eliminate it in our house paint because of the following reasons:
Health Benefits: Eliminating VOCs reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals, minimizing the risk of respiratory issues, allergies, headaches, and other health problems.
Indoor Air Quality: Using low or zero VOC paints helps maintain clean and healthy indoor air quality for you and your family.
Environmental Impact: VOCs released into the atmosphere contribute to smog formation and can harm the environment.
Sustainable Living: Opting for eco friendly paints aligns with a sustainable lifestyle, as it promotes responsible consumption and supports environmentally conscious practices.
Odor Reduction: VOCs are responsible for the strong and often unpleasant odor associated with traditional paints.
Water and Soil Preservation: VOCs can contaminate water sources through runoff, harming aquatic life and affecting soil quality.
Regulatory Compliance: In some regions, there are regulations and standards in place that limit VOC content in paints.
What Are The Characteristics of Eco-friendly Paints?
Eco friendly paints, also known as environmentally friendly or sustainable paints, possess several distinct characteristics that set them apart from traditional paints. Here are some key characteristics of paint eco friendly:
Low VOC Content: Eco-friendly paints have significantly reduced levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) compared to traditional paints. Some eco paints are even formulated to be VOC-free, containing minimal or no harmful emissions.
Non-Toxic Formulation: Just like many non-toxic accessories such as non-toxic rugs and non-toxic pillows, eco paints usually avoid the use of dangerous chemicals such as lead, heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates.
Renewable Resources: Eco paints often incorporate renewable resources including plant-based or bio-based ingredients, such as natural oils, resins, and pigments derived from sustainable sources.
Low Odor: Due to their reduced VOC content, eco friendly paints have a lower or almost negligible odor compared to traditional paints. So, we`ll have a healthier indoor environment during and after painting.
Water-based Formulation: Many eco-friendly paints use water as a carrier instead of harsh solvents. This makes them easier to clean up, reduces the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere.
Recyclable and Biodegradable Packaging: Eco-friendly paint manufacturers often use recyclable or biodegradable materials for paint containers and reduce unnecessary packaging waste.
Durability and Performance: Eco paints offer comparable performance to traditional paints. These paints provide good coverage, color retention, and durability.
Certifications and Standards: Eco-friendly paints may carry certifications or adhere to specific environmental standards, such as being certified by organizations like Green Seal.
Top Eco-Friendly Paint Brands
By selecting reputable eco-paint brands, individuals can ensure that their painting projects contribute to healthier indoor air quality, reduce harmful emissions and pollutants, minimize the use of toxic chemicals, and support companies that prioritize sustainable practices and the use of renewable resources. So, let`s get familiar with the top 5 eco friendly paint brands:
1- ECOS Paint
Best For: Odorless, organic paints
Price: $42+/gallon
Key Benefits: High performance, coverage, adhesion, and mildew resistance
ECOS Paint is a leading brand in eco friendly paints, particularly renowned for its odorless and organic formulations. This paint is available exclusively online on a made-to-order basis. Its safety certifications include Living Building Challenge Declaration status, Health Product Declaration verification, and compliance with various industry standards.
The paint is easy to apply and clean up, offering vibrant colors derived from European pigments and tintable to over 1200 shades. With excellent coverage (480-560 sq ft per gallon) and eco-friendly shipping using 100% post-consumer recycled materials, ECOS Paint is an excellent choice for those seeking a top-notch, environmentally-conscious paint option.
2- Clare
Best For: Trim paints
Price: $64/gallon
Key Benefits: Zero VOC, Greenguard Gold Certified, Low-waste production, Recycled packaging, Water conservation systems, Affordable swatches with free shipping
Clare Paint is a brand specializing in eco-friendly paints, particularly well-suited for trim applications. Clare Paint is committed to delivering designer-curated colors with environmental consciousness.
Their factories employ low-waste production methods, recycled packaging, and water conservation systems. The brand offers a user-friendly experience with affordable swatches starting at just two dollars, free shipping, and a helpful Clare Color Genius quiz to assist customers in selecting the perfect paint for their needs.
3- Benjamin Moore
Best For: High-humidity environments, mildew resistance
Price: Varies, sold in Benjamin Moore stores
Key Benefits: Zero VOC, low odor, Baby-safe, and pet-safe with Color Lock technology
Benjamin Moore is a renowned brand known for its environmentally responsible and transparent approach to paint. Their Aura Bath and Spa paint, specifically designed for high-humidity environments, is mildew resistant, meets zero VOC standards, and has low odor.
The brand is recognized for being baby-safe and pet-safe, offering a premium range of paints featuring exclusive Color Lock technology. Benjamin Moore is committed to transparency and environmental responsibility, and their products are sold in their own stores, contributing to social responsibility.
4- Graham & Brown
Best For: Coordinating paint, wallpaper, and wall art
Price: $90/gallon
Key Benefits: Carbon-neutral, Nearly 400 low VOC water-based paint colors, Various finishes
Graham & Brown is a one-stop shop for eco-friendly paint, wallpaper, and wall art. The brand is available online and at Home Depot. Graham & Brown simplifies color coordination by offering a wide range of nearly 400 low VOC water-based paint colors and various finishes, including metallic and glitter topcoats.
As a carbon-neutral company, they mix paints to order and plant trees to offset emissions. With the option to request a free color card or order a peel-and-stick sample, Graham & Brown provides a convenient and environmentally conscious solution for home decor.
5- Backdrop
Best For: Exterior paints
Price: $49+/gallon
Key Benefits: Climate-neutral, Green Wise certified with low VOCs and low odor, Recyclable can packaging, Cost-effective compared to professional services
Backdrop is a pioneering climate-neutral paint company, renowned for its exterior paints. Backdrop curated 50 of the best colors for homes, with its line of interior and exterior colors Green Wise certified, boasting low VOCs, low odor, and packaged in recyclable cans.
The brand offers a paint calculator and essential painting supplies for DIY enthusiasts, emphasizing cost savings compared to professional services.
DIY Eco-Friendly Paint Projects
When undertaking an environmentally friendly painting project for your house, there are several key points to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you make eco-conscious choices:
Use Recycled or Reclaimed Paint: Some companies offer recycled or reclaimed paint made from leftover or unused paints. Consider using these eco-friendly alternatives.
Prioritize Water-Based Paints: Water-based paints generally have lower VOC levels than oil-based ones. They are also easier to clean up and have a lower environmental impact.
Buy Only What You Need: If you want to avoid microplastics, estimate the amount of paint you'll need for the project accurately to avoid excess waste. Most paint stores can help you calculate the required quantity based on the size of the area you're painting.
Eco-Friendly Paint Containers: Look for paint brands that use eco-friendly packaging, such as recycled or biodegradable containers. Properly dispose of or recycle paint cans after use.
Consider DIY Eco Friendly Paints: You can create your own eco friendly paints using natural ingredients, reducing the need for commercial products and their associated environmental impact.
Properly Dispose of Leftover Paint: Many communities have paint recycling programs. Alternatively, consider donating extra paint to community projects or organizations in need.
Minimize Waste and Clean-Up: Use reusable brushes and rollers to reduce waste. When cleaning brushes, use eco-friendly cleaners or water instead of harsh chemicals.
Choose Sustainable Materials: If you're painting wood surfaces, consider using reclaimed or sustainably sourced wood. This extends the project's eco-friendly impact beyond just the paint.
Energy-Efficient Painting Practices: Choose days with moderate temperatures, as extreme heat or cold can affect paint application.
Conclusion
Embracing eco-friendly paint is not just a trend but a meaningful step towards creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment. Whether you're embarking on a DIY project, refreshing old furniture, or considering a professional paint job, choosing paints with low or zero VOCs, recycled packaging, and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes makes a significant impact.
From the vibrant hues of brands like ECOS Paint to the climate-neutral approach of Backdrop, the options are diverse and cater to various preferences.
