We are all aware of the need to use products that are more eco-friendly and use less of our natural resources. Perhaps the best way to go green is to recycle and reuse creatively. But you can buy new and still be gentle to the earth if you follow our guide.

Choosing your paint

Purchase paints, which have low volatile compounds (VOC's) for an eco-friendly way to decorate your walls. If decorating with wallpaper, look for natural, non-vinyl products such as split bamboo or grass. Not only will eco-friendly paints and wallpapers help to protect the environment, they are guaranteed not to emit toxic gasses that can contaminate the air inside your home.

Most of the eco-friendly paints on the market are water-soluble and use plant oils such as linseed oil and plant resins to form the paint solution. The pigmentation comes from minerals or plant dyes. Some eco-friendly paints are supplied as powders, which you dilute yourself. This reduces the weight and size of the paint, so the environmental damage from transporting the paint is lessened, and large metal or plastic containers don’t have to be manufactured to hold the paint on its journey from the factory to your home.

Use all the paint

When possible, use every ounce of paint you buy. The extra coat will provide walls with more protection.

Ventilate the space

Always ventilate a space after decorating by opening doors and windows for at least 48 hours or until paint is completely dry before re-occupying the area.

If you would like to know more about living green, click here