Why Paint "Green"?

by Lia Mack of BeGreen Designs

Personally?
Because I care about my health and that of the environment. I cannot consciously buy, use, and toss something that is not only poisoning our land, water, and air, but can also contribute to or create health problems in my family and yours.

What you put into the Earth, you put into yourself...
What you put into the Earth, the Earth gives back to you...
You reap what you sow...
Plant a seed, you get a plant. Dump poison, you get poison!
Even my three year old gets it!

Know air pollution?
Guess what. The air your own home can be five to ten times worse than outdoor air pollution. Yes, even if you live in a city like LA or DC. The EPA estimates that indoor air pollution kills more than 11,000 Americans each year. What do we owe this unpleasantness to, you ask? Contaminants such as cleaning solutions, building materials, stains, and paints! Paints are one of the highest contributors to indoor air pollution. They "gas-off" fumes such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) not a nice organic, a bad one. These gasses can continue to gas-off for 3-5 years. Like that dark blue your room is painted with (I know I do). Well, dark pigments are the worse. They have the most VOCs and gas-off for years. The darker the pigment, the more VOCs, and the more gas-off fumes. You eat, sleep, play and work indoors. Most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Yikes! The gas-off of these contaminants can result in serious health problems.

Natural Beauty
We live in a natural world, and like babies, it should be treated in a natural gentle way. That is why I choose to switch to 'green' paints. There are so many choices, you won't have to compromise your style and color selection, durability or wallet! The paints I use are Zero VOC (low VOC paints still off gas and contain hazards). Begreendesigns only uses the most natural and eco-friendly materials. I am always looking for better green materials and paints. Just today I decided to, instead of recycling cereal boxes, use them as sample boards! See, being green is just that easy :)

Besides painting 'green', what else can we do? Glad you asked :)
We need to be stewards of this planet that we have been given. Look around and smell the 'great' outdoors. Isn't very great thanks to the industrial revolution. Don't get me wrong. I do like central air in August and movies in Hi-def. However, let's face it. We are ruining this great planet! So instead of placing the blame on people who don't recycle or companies who still produce hazardous waste to benefit their pockets, lets do something about it. Lets use OUR dollars and sense and only purchase green products and services that we know are made from and only use biodegradable, recyclable, sustainable, green, fairly traded resources and materials.

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Here, I've compiled a quick list to some of the Internet's best available information on the subject of 'green' paint, VOCs, healthy children's rooms...you name it!.
Non-Toxic Paints
EarthEasy.com
"Indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air , and according to the EPA, is considered to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes..."
An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
Studies have found that indoor air pollution on average is 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. During and for several hours immediately after certain activities, levels may be 1,000 times greater than outdoor levels...
Creating a Safe, Healthy Room for Your Child
Green Home Guide
"Newborns, infants, and toddlers are particularly susceptible to many toxic compounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are exposed to higher concentrations of pollutants because they breathe more air, drink more water, and eat more food per kilogram of body weight than adults do; their skin is more permeable to certain toxicants; they are exposed to pollutants on the floor as they learn to crawl and play; and they often explore new objects by putting them in their mouths..."
'Green Paint' Makes Life Beautiful and Healthy!
"There are many options to look at when thinking about green paint. One of the easiest to find and most cost effective is Low or Zero-VOC paint. VOC, or volatile organic compounds, are carbon containing chemicals that readily evaporate into the atmosphere, destroying the ozone layer. VOCs are commonly found in paint, as well as gasoline, mineral spirits and nail polish. In addition to being ozone unfriendly, VOCs are responsible for polluting our indoor air, which has been found by the EPA to be 5 times worse than outdoor air. Low-VOC paints are often beneficial for people with breathing conditions as well as young children and the elderly..."
TreeHugger Asks: What Green Paints Do You Like?
"When it comes to choosing TreeHugger-friendly paint for whatever home improvement project that needs doing, we have a few ideas..."