From electronics to automobiles to even the paints have a lasting and significant impact on the environment. The effects of global warming are getting worse day by day owing to our overconsumption and CFC emissions. While we cannot entirely cannot control the over-consumption, we should work on what we use. It is more than advisable to use climate-friendly products rather than traditional ones.
The paint affects the environment as well as our health gravely. The traditional paints, especially the interior ones, can cause respiratory and cognitive issues to the family living in the freshly painted house.
Over the last half a decade, eco-friendly paints have been gaining traction as they come up with fewer drawbacks and, in fact, improved appearance. Sustainable paint options have grown exponentially to make every shade available to the masses; with SouthSide paints, you can get easy access to high-end, eco-friendly paints.
How do paints impact the environment?
Paints, especially the traditional ones, are complex mixtures that are aimed at remaining intact on the walls in terms of appearance. Some of them also provide protection against moisture. Basically, they consist of Pigments, Binders, Solvents, and Additives. Pigments are, as the name suggests gives the color and opacity. Common pigments use titanium dioxide for white shades, and iron oxides for red and yellow shades. These chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; pets can even develop cancer of the lungs because of them.
Binders, on the other hand, provide adherence to the wall (for the paint). Acrylics, alkyds, or latex are used for the binding purpose. Additionally, calcium carbonate and talc are used as fillers in paint.
There is no assumption about the harmfulness of these paints after reading such a long list of chemicals. Oil-based paints, in addition to some latex paints, can pose a significant risk to health and the environment. Here’s how traditional paints affect the surroundings:
Health Impacts:
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Solvents in paints have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that get released to the maximum while they are wet. After drying, too, harmful VOCs continue to be released into the air from the paint for a very long time. This compromises the quality of air indoors, which puts your family at a health hazard. VOCs pose a severe threat to the respiratory system. They also cause irritation, headaches, dizziness, or long-term issues like liver or kidney damage. High VOC paints are especially harmful indoors as the VOCs remain in a closed area, and your family and pets are the ones suffering. VOCs are specifically irritating for our four-legged furry family members.
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Toxic Additives
Some paints contain heavy metals (e.g., lead) and biocides that can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. For pregnant women, it is extremely harmful to be in a location where they are exposed to lead. The fetus can be severely and negatively affected due to lead.
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Allergies and Sensitivities
Fumes or off-gassing can trigger allergies or asthma, particularly in children, elderly people.
Air pollution is a massive drawback of conventional paints, as they contribute to smog buildup. Thoughtless disposal of paint pollutes water in multiple ways, disturbing the crucial aquatic life. On top of that, leftover paint and containers often end up in landfills, where they leach harmful chemicals.
Eco-Friendly Paints
The core factors that set Eco-friendly paint Milton apart from traditional paints include levels of VOCs (low in eco-friendly ones), natural binders and pigments, and a noticeable lack of harsh chemicals, heavy metals, and synthetic fragrances.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Paint?
Health factor
The low level of No VOCs in eco-friendly paints lets you breathe clean and fresh air while you can enjoy the transformed look of your home. Lately, a wide variety of no-VOC shades are available in the market to make your walls beautiful.
Environmental Impact
Contrary to conventional paints, sustainable paint options utilize sustainable, and often biodegradable elements to formulate the paint. This leaves a lower carbon footprint. Renewable resources such as plant oils, minerals, and natural pigments like Milk Paint, Clay Paint, Limewash, and Plant-Based Paints have transformed the paint industry.
Additionally, waste management of such paints can be carried out without harming the environment. Many brands also use recycled packaging and promote responsible sourcing of raw materials. Here are some brands that focus on eco-friendly paints, contributing to a better climate, a better tomorrow.
1. Benjamin Moore Eco Spec
Benjamin Moore is a famous name when it comes to wall paint. Benjamin Moore Eco Spec comes across as the ‘greenest’ paint. The paint offers zero VOCs and emissions, ensuring climate friendliness. The paint dries quickly, and the quality of pigment remains at its best for a lasting period.
Benjamin Moore eco paint is certified with Green Seal certification for its protective abilities. It relies on sustainable packaging, too.
2. ECOS Paint
ECOS is your best match when it comes to wall paints if you are looking for odorless paint made from organic material. The US-based paint brand offers durability, too, as a gallon of ECOS covers 560 sq. feet. This high-quality paint takes environmental friendliness seriously and safeguards your health, too. Renowned establishments like the Louvre, Westminster Abbey, and the Getty Museum utilize ECOS paints.
3. Clare Paint
This Greenguard Gold Certified product provides no VOCs impact, exhibits aesthetic colors on walls, and is harmless to the respiratory system. Clare paint incorporates a low-waste production process. They ensure to rely on recycled packaging and water conservation. The wide range of shades includes designer-curated colors.
Conclusion
Making deliberate environment-friendly choices while opting for interior colors not only helps the climate but also allows you to have improved wellness. There are multiple certifications to help you make the choice, like Green Seal Certification, LEED certification, and Greenguard Gold certification.