Choosing to go green doesn't have to be a hard complicated process. If you have fun it will make going green not only easy, but an activity everyone can enjoy. Start with one room, I would suggest a bedroom. The idea here is simple, start with paint. Simply look for NO VOC paint at your local home supply center. A quick search online for NO VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint in your area will help you locate the supplier. If you have carpet, consider buying wool or carpet made from recycled material. Wool is a natural hypo-allergenic alternative to carpets that off gas fumes from adhesives and chemicals used during manufacturing. Once you have made your carpet choice, give Habitat for Humanity a call to pick up your old carpet so some one else can use it. Ready to paint, great here is the good news; you don't need to buy masks or protective clothing. And if the kids get into a paint fight, relax its safe and non-toxic. Not that I encourage paint fights, but just incase make sure you use canvas to cover up the furniture and beds instead of plastic that will sit in the land fills. If you don't have a need for the canvas cover after you paint, donate it to your local painter, it will save them money and keep them out of the landfill. Talk about fostering the local economy!
Here's another idea for that canvas after you finish with it. Donate it to one your local community theatre arts groups--and don't forget the high school drama club. They can turn that into a painted rug, or a backdrop for upcoming plays.
Good post Tony. I've got another tip. Pass that leftover paint on to someone else. Craigslist (has a free section) and FreeCycle, (a yahoo group) are great ways to recycle the paint on to someone that could use it. Although someone might want to keep some paint for touchups, but if you are changing colors and know you won't need the paint anymore, pass it on.
Great post Tony. We recently painted our bedroom with No VOC paint and replaced our sheets with organic cotton. Not only does the room look great, but we're sleeping better as well.
Deb
I like paint. It's cheap and it makes everything look new and fresh. VOC is new to me.
Tony: Here is another way to reuse old carpet torn out in a remodeling job. Use it in areas for weed control, like behind retaining walls, under walking paths. Place fibers side downs, then mulch or put landscape rock over it. Not a surprise, it will take forever to rot away. Not recommend where you would raise food, but great in areas to contol weed growth and why buy more landscape plastic that cost a lot and is also petroleum based??
Hi we are bay area painting and we promote and use sherwin williams harmony eco paints, they have a zero voc and we are offering huge discounts for having bay area painting make your room or house eco friendly with the harmony paint. we can be contacted at 920-468-4021 or 920-713-2100 and we always offer free estimates and great prices. You can also search for us in the Green Bay area by going to yahoo local and searching bay area painting from there you can view our web site which includes info on harmony paints. thank you and we can all do our part to help the planet.
I wonder if the eco friendly paint is more expensive? Does it cover as well?
Tony, I have written about No VOC paint but hadn't thought about the carpet and drop clothes. Thanks!
We'll remember your advice! It never hurts to conserve whether you look at it as being 'green' or just being smart!
Thanks for the tips. I will look into the no VOC paint. We use a lot of it managing rentals.
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