Designing Green...

Designing green is no longer just a buzz word or a trend. Being green is hip, chic and above all the environmentally responsible thing to do. Certainly a complete overhaul of your home, from water heater to sustainable flooring, would leave the LEED folks smiling. But, this sort of major transformation may not be in the cards, or should I say budget? A green update to your home is attainable with a nominal monetary investment in a quality paint and good brush. Environmentally friendly paint technology offers good coverage and health benefits to Mother Earth. Purchasing Eco friendly paint does more than just promise low off gasing or VOC limits. Paint companies are really thinking, "outside the paint can." Before you roll out the drop clothes consider purchasing paint from companies committed to:

• Reducing waste and conserving natural resources in manufacturing facilities.
  
• Using sophisticated software to determine distribution routes to minimize fuel.


• Increasing the use of bio diesel fuel.


• Implementing recycling programs at offices, stores and distribution centers.


• Installing energy efficient systems at all new plant facilities.


• Pioneering the use of renewable or sustainable raw materials in some formulations.


• Using blown-in-line colorant bottles that use less resin, save freight costs and reduce the volume of hazardous waste.


• Filling paints in sustainable plastic containers made from 100% recycled post-consumer resin with labels containing recovered fiber and post-consumer waste, printed with soy ink.


• Consider Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore or Farrow and Ball.
  

Tune in often for more updates on Designing Green topics from inexpensive DIY updates to more substantial investments.