Green Options

I’ve written about earth friendly paints here on Eco Child’s Play before.  With a recent home improvement project (that feels like it will last forever), I’ve had paint on the mind.

Now, Dutch Boy has introduced a line of paint called Refresh.  This zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint is Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified.  Another awesome bonus… this paint actually eliminates odors around the house.  I can definitely take advantage of this benefit to help reduce the smoke odor in our home from the previous owners.

Dutch Boy is hosting a contest, post your ugly/stinky room story for a chance to win a Refresh paint makeover. I will definitely be going over to enter for a chance to win one of these prizes:

So, you are thinking about adding a splash of color, maybe you are getting a room ready for a new child or repairing some old walls.  Being the mindful person you are, you’re probably considering one of the many Low/No VOC paints we see on the market today.  I’m here to help you weed through the labels and find the truth regarding these paint options.

Typical household paint may contain upwards of 300 known toxic chemicals (half of which have been linked to cancer) and a total of more than 10,000 total chemicals.  Yikes.  VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are the worst offenders in the paint chemical category.  VOCs continue to seep out into the air we breath for many years after being placed on a surface.  How’s that for “new nursery smell”?  (Image by Napalm Filled Tires on Flickr under CreativeCommons.)

If you are joyfully anticipating the birth, adoption or fostering of a child, it is likely you are also considering furnishing a nursery or bedroom.

Often times being environmentally friendly is also the most cost effective option. Reuse is the ultimate in environmental stewardship. Take advantage of websites such as Freecycle, Craigslist and eBay to trade or purchase gently used items. Visit local resale shops and make friends of the sales people, ask them to call you when that needed item comes in. Frequent neighborhood garage and rummage sales. Get on an email list for local Moms Clubs and watch for their annual sales.