@kalklitir paint in Calce by @macarenagea
@clarepaint in Pop by @lostquarry
@coatpaints by @benkandbo
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6 Places To Buy Eco Friendly & Toxic-Free House Paint
The ingredients found in conventional paint pose not only a risk to our own health, but the health of our planet too. It is so easy to avoid these toxins just by choosing a totally safe and eco-friendly paint. During her new home renovation, our co-founder Cora has been doing a lot of research into eco paints and here she shares some of her very favourites!
The problem with conventional house paints.
I have been educating myself on the health and environmental issues mourned toxicity of conventional house paints. Some of the ingredients we find in paints are just horrible. Benzene, for example, is an established carcinogen that turns up in some paints, particularly oil-based paints. As with other carcinogens, it’s likely people mostly have to worry about long-term or very high amounts of benzene exposure. But spending time in a poorly ventilated and newly painted room could expose people to elevated benzene levels, the ACS states, and this is just an example of a type of VOC that you find in paint.
VOCs can cause a number of short-term health problems, from headaches and dizziness to a runny nose and itchy eyes. Some VOCs may also cause nervous system and organ damage, according to the American Lung Association. Maternal exposure to some VOCs found in paint may raise the risk for low birth weight, which in turn is associated with an increased risk for delayed development or learning disabilities.
That being said, it’s such an easy way to get chemicals and toxins out of your home by choosing an eco-friendly paint and here are my favourite beautiful brands below!
Clare
This is a favourite for me in the States as the colours are so perfect, particularly their neutrals. Clare’s water-based interior paints and colorants are zero VOC which means they’re formulated without the toxic carbon-based solvents found in other paints. Their paints are green guard certified, which meets the world’s most stringent chemical emissions standards, ensuring fewer pollutants and healthier indoor air quality. Plus, this is an amazing black owned business to support!
Captured here: Current Mood
COAT
Unlike most of the paint produced, the entire COAT range is entirely water-based and low VOC. Their supplies are B-Corp certified too, so no nasty plastics. COAT goes beyond clean products, as a regenerative business that gives back more to the planet and broader society – they are a Carbon Neutral business, have 360 degree infinite tin recycling and use UK sourcing and production.
Captured here: Elio by @two.men.and.a.semi
Kalkitir
This is my favourite unique paint company as it comes in a powder form and has such a low carbon footprint as it’s so light to ship! Kalklitir is a family-owned company specialising in natural paints and decorative art. They are comprised of five family members born in Iceland. The pigments used are beautiful mineral pigments that do not contain lead nor cadmium and their products do not harm the environment during manufacturing and disposal/use. You can create truly amazing and one of a kind looks with this line.
Captured here: Papyrus by @tthese_beautiful_thingss
Backdrop
This is such a fun company to use – they make choosing paints super easy and the website is great to explore. All their paints are green wise certified, low VOC and low odour. They are are carbon neutral from 2020 and have partnered with The International Rescue Committee, a non-profit responding to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helping people whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their futures. When you buy from Backdrop, you’re also supporting families who’ve been displaced from their homes involuntarily.
Captured here: 36 Hours In Marrakesh by @natalieebel
Earthborn
Earthborn were awarded the first UK licence of the EU Ecolabel for Indoor Paints and Varnishes. They have produced a range of environmentally-friendly designer breathable paints that suit every need. The VOC content in Earthborn paints is negligible – less than 62 parts per million! The high breathability of their paints, in particular the moisture absorbing qualities of Claypaint, helps even out the humidity in a room, making for a healthier, more comfortable living environment. We love these guys for an all round feel good painting experience.
Captured here: Peaseblossom
Lakeland
After 6 years of product development, Ian West and John Ashworth created the world’s first complete range of odourless, solvent free, non-toxic decorative paints. Launched in 1989, to this day we stay true to our promise. All of our organic paints and varnishes are hand crafted and colour matched at their factory in the Lune Valley, North Lancashire. So pure because it has Zero VOC, Zero Solvent, Zero heavy metals. Many of their formulas are unique to Lakeland Paints, such as Air Purifying Paint and EMR Shielding Paint. Plus they have lots of beautiful colours to choose from!
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