Living green is essentially about reducing pollution and creating a safe and healthy environment for you and your family on the planet. Reduce, reuse and recycle are the three main ideologies on which we need to work. The enormity of the contribution doesn’t matter, what matters are the simple, active contributions by each individual which can collectively benefit the planet in a great way.
If you care about the health of your family and your planet, using environmentally friendly paint in and around your home can be of great help. Natural paints are based on plant oils and extracts, and simple minerals which do not contain harmful chemicals. Green paints have low level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are the toxic fumes emitted from most synthetic-based paints.
Types of Green Paints
These paints use water instead of petroleum-based solvents and are less volatile. Natural paints are made from raw ingredients such as clay and are healthier.
1. Powder Coatings- Powder paints are zero VOC amenable dry paint products which eliminate the use of volatile organic solvents and make it healthier than conventional solvent paints. It is one of the fastest growing technologies and there are new technologies available to powder coat wood, heat resistant plastic, glass with ferrous and non ferrous metals also.
2. Waterborne Paints/Coatings- Liquid solvent paints are using water as diluents with a small amount of co solvent, which reduces the VOC levels considerably, and significantly contributes to the concept of green living.
3. Emulsion Paint- The new green emulsion paints use chalk, clay, linseed and bergamot oil as their ingredients. These ingredients make them safe for use and environmental friendly too.
4. Satin and Gloss Paints- They are made of genuine oil bound glosses based on natural oils and tree resins. These natural gloss paints have greater covering power and give a tough dirt and water repellent finish. They are a wise option over the chemical ones.
5. Timber and floor finishes- They contain natural oil and wax finishes which protect the interior timber effectively and also penetrate the wood deeply.
6. Milk Paint- The milk based paint contains casein, a protein found in milk, clay and earth pigments mixed with water to form eco-friendly paint. It should be used immediately after mixing to avoid clumping and makes a good interior paint.
Advantages of Green Paints
1. They don’t smell and thus hinder mould and mildew growth making it much healthier.
2. They are a great choice for people with respiratory symptoms and allergies.
3. They benefit people with different kinds of chemical sensitivities.
4. They are safe for pregnant women, children and infants.
5. Green paints are stain resistant, washable and have a high resistance to wear.
