8 Best Eco-Friendly Paints For A Nontoxic Home

Your home is your sanctuary. You choose products and foods that are non-toxic and family friendly. But do you know what is on your walls? Manufacturers have seen the requests of the green movement and are now making paints to comply with your wants. Here are the 8 best eco-friendly paints for a non-toxic home.

We spend up to 80% of our time indoors, in air that isn’t always safe. Interior paints are partially to blame for some common ailments that affect us or our loved ones, both two and four legged.

What makes a paint eco-friendly?

For a paint to be considered eco-friendly, it is any finish or lacquer that doesn’t contain airborne chemicals or gases that can cause issues with your health. The emissions are called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which can leach over time into the air. They cause issues like headaches, dizziness, visual and respiratory impairment and even memory loss.

According to the EPA, the effects of VOCs are 2-5 times higher inside than outdoors. If you choose to strip paint during a project, the studies show that it can go up to 1,000 times higher.

You have the option to choose a cleaner air for your home when it comes to picking a paint. Here are the top 8 options for eco-friendly paints.

1. The Real Milk Paint Co.

Milk paint has always been a healthier alternative to the more popular oil-based and latex-based paints. It’s made from milk protein and is sold in powder form. To create the paint, you just mix the powder with water. This company offers a lot of color options but the paint will cost more at about $60 per gallon.

2. Earth Pigments

Another option that doesn’t fall into latex or oil paint is mineral and plant based colors. These paints are sustainably harvested from the earth. The painting process requires more finesse in the hands-on painting process. You will need to mix the pigments as instructed on their products but the end result is worth the time and effort. Earth Pigments offers a big selection of rich colors. Its costs start at $54 for 5kg of base.

3. Bioshield

Bioshield is one of few solvent-free, zero-VOC paints on the market. The company touts an entirely eco-friendly process for all of their interior and exterior paints as well as wall finishes and wood stains. They are available online starting at $46 per gallon.

4. Sherwin-Williams Harmony

Sherwin-Williams has gone a step beyond creating a line free of VOCs. The line also boasts that it can help purify the air in your home by cleaning the toxic emissions from other household products. It’s available for $56 per gallon.

5. Benjamin Moore Natura

If you have specific breathing needs from your paint, try the Benjamin Moore Natura. It is asthma and allergy friendly with zero-VOCs. Prices vary.

6. Ecos Paint

These paints come in a plethora of colors and are cited to be environmentally friendly. They are organically made for interior and exterior walls. Ecos Paint starts at $50 per gallon.

7. Behr’s Premium Plus

If you are looking for paint at your local big box store, try Behr’s Premium Plus. This line of paints is not only zero-VOC and eco-friendly, but it is also a two-in-one paint and primer. It’s also wallet-friendly at just $25 per gallon.

8. Earth Safe Finishes

As another zero-VOC paint, Earth Safe Finishes is made in the USA. Each gallon boasts a one-coat matte finish paint to take the extra steps out of painting. You’ll pay for the ease; a gallon is $120.