is paint environmentally friendly?

Many eco-conscious DIYers find themselves asking – is paint environmentally friendly? It’s a great question. In the hunt to reduce our carbon footprints, the big things that spring to mind might be using less energy, driving an electric car, or even the food you choose.

But your choice of paint can also have a huge impact on the environment. Older, traditional paints can contain ingredients that give off harmful chemicals when used. More modern, eco-friendly paints are much better for humans, animals and the planet, and their use is growing at around 7 per cent each year.

So, what is environmentally friendly paint? And which paint brands should eco-friendly painters look for?

why are some paints bad for the environment?

Picture a freshly painted room. Have you ever wondered what goes into that smell, or why it’s best to have the windows open afterwards? The answer is that many conventional paints contain ingredients that release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Too many of these can affect air quality, leading to potential health and environmental issues.

To learn more, we should explain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

what are volatile organic compounds?

VOCs are solvents that keep paints blended as a liquid. They’re then released into the air when paints are spread on surfaces. Depending on if you’re painting inside or outside, VOCs have a different impact.

Inside, VOCs can affect your indoor air quality – if you don’t have proper ventilation, you could suffer things like headaches and drowsiness. Long exposure to VOCs can also cause breathing issues.

Outside, VOCs contribute to air pollution and are generally very environmentally unfriendly. Many conventional paints contain a high amount of VOCs which can emit fumes for up to one year after applying.

So, when painting, how can you lower the environmental impact?

how are eco-friendly paints different?

Modern eco-friendly paint can help you reduce your carbon footprint. Most leading brands now offer low-VOC coating options – these are usually water-based paints. But how do they do it?

fewer hazardous ingredients

The first way is to get rid of lots of hazardous ingredients. You can check for this in a few ways:

• Look for the air quality rating when buying paint
• Buy from brands that encourage eco-friendly painting
• Read the label and check for any harmful additives.

You might even find VOC-free paints made from completely natural ingredients. Zero-VOC paint is hazardous solvent-free, giving you a green option that’s gentle on walls and the planet.

non-toxic paints’ manufacturing process

Some paint manufacturers take their eco-friendly ways beyond the tin and into the manufacturing process. Farrow & Ball, for example, recycle 100 per cent of the dry waste produced in their manufacturing process – that’s what we call sustainability.

Other producers create natural paint from plants, milk, and minerals – others use only renewable energy in their carbon-neutral manufacturing process.

how else can I paint with the environment in mind?

It’s not only your choice of paint that can help the animals. The best thing you can do to save waste is to know how many litres of paint you need before starting your interior design project. Once you know, use only high-quality paints with low levels of VOCs.

Once your project is complete, there are loads of creative, generous and eco-friendly paint recycling options. If recycling isn’t an option, then try to think of the animals and keep the disposal of paint as green as possible.

the best environmentally friendly paints UK

Let’s take a look at some of the best environmentally friendly paint in the UK – these superstar paints will give you a great finish in a sustainable way.

is paint biodegradable?

Traditional paint can contain heavy metals, additives and some hazardous raw materials, so is not biodegradable. Biodegradable paint is made of only natural ingredients, so make sure to check your paint’s green credentials.

level up your sustainability

Is paint environmentally friendly? The answer is that it absolutely can be! Many paints can now give you a high-quality finish without costing the earth. Look for eco-friendly paints with low VOCs, green credentials and recyclable materials. For more paint help and tips, check out our blog.