Non-Toxic Paints: Healthier for You and Environment

Non-Toxic Paints: Healthier for You and Environment

Why should non-toxic paint matter? why should it matter to us the reason is that it matters to us because we don’t want to introduce anything into our home that is unhealthy whether it be food, skincare products, any building materials, or the paint that comes off and you inhale, smell and surrounded by.

There are several ways in which you can make your painting project into a sustainable painting project. From purchasing low VOCs paint to careful cleanup, eco-friendly paints are simple. 

Buying low and no VOCs paints before we go any further what is volatile: a material that changes from solid or liquid into gas the more volatile a compound the easier it will sublimate or evaporate into a vapor. Organic relating to or derived from living matter although VOCs are organic that can also be human-made as well as naturally occurring compound made up or consisting of two or more existing parts or elements. Volatile organic compounds can be found in many things including fossil fuels exhaust fumes adhesives paint. As the paint dries the moisture evaporates thus releasing VOCs into the air and not only, they are bad for the environment but they are also harmful to animals including us humans while a small acute dose of VOCs has little impact. The biggest concern is long-term repeated exposure which leads to a variety of health problems. Low VOCs paints may cost a few more money per gallon and these low VOCs paints are as good quality as other paint. 

Purchase paint applicators made from renewable and recycled materials. There are many green painting applicators in the market available now but a little bit costly.

Carefully measure to determine how much paint you need for your project. Carefully measuring will prevent leftover paint and will help to prevent wastage. 

Choose latex or acrylic paints. According to new research acrylic and latex paints are the best for the environment. Oil paints contain the highest level of fumes and chemicals. 

Scrape excess paint from cans, brushes and rollers. A wall scraper or stick works well. Scraping before washing will make the applicators easier to clean and work. Wash your paint applicators indoors and not in a drain on the street or outside in your yard. The paint could harm your soil so first scrape your brush in the open place then wash it.

Do not pour paint thinner down the drain because these thinner and oil-based paints contain toxic chemicals. Add litter or shredded newspapers or some rough paper right into the paint can. This will absorb the liquid. You can then discard the paint can in regular waste. If your place has a hazardous waste drop-off center, then take the thinner or thinner to this center.

Dispose of paint properly by converting extra acrylic paint to a solid by removing the lid. This will allow the solvents and water to evaporate. Then discard in the regular trash bin. If a recycling center exists in your place, then recycle the empty paint can there.

Tightly sealed paint cans and should be stored upside down. This will help elongate the life of the paint extra.

Donate unused paint consider donating your extra paint to a local shelter house.