Pro’s and Con’s of Eco-Friendly Paint
Pros of Eco-Friendly Paints
1. Healthier Living Spaces
- Low VOCs: Standard paints will release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can pollute the air inside your home, leading to headaches, dizziness and sometimes respiratory issues. These VOC’s can be released for up to 6 months after paints application. Eco-friendly paints have low or sometimes no VOCs which means better quality air indoors.
- Fewer Toxins: Many eco-friendly paints are made with more natural ingredients, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals that might cause skin irritations or allergic reactions.
2. Better for the Planet
- Smaller Carbon Footprint: Since they’re made from renewable resources and often require less energy to produce, eco-friendly paints have a smaller environmental impact.
- Sustainable Ingredients: These paints typically use natural materials like plant oils and clay, cutting down on the use of petroleum-based products and other non-renewable resources.
3. Durable and Long-Lasting
- Stands the Test of Time: Many eco-friendly paints are as durable as standard ones, sometimes even more so. This means you won’t need to re-paint as often, saving you both money and reducing waste.
- Fewer Coats Needed: Some of these paints offer great coverage, so you’ll need fewer coats, which means less time painting and fewer materials used.
4. Certified Safe
- Environmental Standards: Many eco-friendly paints come with certifications like Environmental Choice New Zealand, ensuring they meet strict environmental and safety criteria. This gives you peace of mind that you’re making a good choice for your home and the planet.
5. Less Odor
- No More Overwhelming Smells: Without all the harsh chemicals found in traditional paints, eco-friendly options tend to have a much milder smell. This makes the painting process more pleasant and means you don’t have to worry about airing out your space for days.
- Not having as many harsh chemicals as in standard paints, eco-friendly paints tend to have a much more milder smell. This makes not only the painting process more pleasant but also means you won’t need to worry about airing out an interior space as much.
6. Responsible Disposal
- Recycling Options: Some paint brands offer a recycling program for leftover paint and containers, this means you can again save more waste from going to the landfill.
Cons of Eco-Friendly Paints
1. Higher Price Tag
- Costs More Upfront: Eco-friendly paints are usually more expensive than your standard paint due to the natural ingredients and a more labour intensive production process.
2. Not Always Easy to Find
- Limited Availability: Though they have become a lot more common recently, some eco-friendly paints can be difficult to buy, especially off the shelve in smaller towns such as Nelson.
3. Fewer Colour Options
- Limited Palette: Some eco-friendly paint brands offer fewer colour choices compared to their traditional counterparts. If you’re looking for a specific shade, it might be harder to find.
4. Can Be Tricky to Apply
- Different Application Process: Depending on the type of eco-friendly paint you choose, the application might be a little different. Some natural paints can take longer to dry or require more careful attention to temperature and humidity conditions.
5. Durability Can Vary
- Not All Are Equal: While many eco-friendly paints are highly durable, some, particularly those made from lime or clay, might not hold up as well in harsh outdoor environments. If you live in a wet or coastal area, you’ll want to choose carefully.
6. Disposal Might Require Extra Care
- Special Disposal Needed: Although many brands offer recycling programs, some eco-friendly paints still need to be disposed of responsibly, especially if they contain natural pigments that could harm waterways. You may need to check local guidelines for safe disposal.
Summary of Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Healthier indoor air due to low/zero VOCs | Higher upfront cost |
| Environmentally friendly and sustainable | Not always widely available |
| Long-lasting and durable in many cases | Fewer colour options |
| Mild odor compared to conventional paints | May require special application methods |
| Environmentally certified and safe | Durability may vary for certain natural paints |
| Some brands offer recycling options for disposal | Some paints may need special disposal care |
Final Thoughts
Eco-friendly paints are a great choice for homeowners who care about both their health and the environment. While they can be more expensive and sometimes harder to find, the long-term benefits in terms of durability, air quality, and sustainability often outweigh the initial costs. With the added bonus of lower odors and certifications that ensure safety, they’re well worth considering for your next painting project.
