You're at the hardware store: should you pick up a gas mask to go with that can of paint?

Linked from: www.idealbite.com

BANG FOR THE BITE

If 10,000 Biters go natural next time they paint their bedroom, we'll keep about 32,500 gallons of nasty chems out of circulation.

The Bite


There's just nothing quite like watching paint dry. But unless you're the type who likes to inhale fumes, for your next paint job, go for naturally vibrant paints that won't leave you woozy.

The Benefits

• Beautiful shades. Every color under the sun - some even from pigments of charcoal or food-grade ingredients like milk.
• Healthier coats. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are released even after the paint's dry, and harsh ingredients in regular paints such as benzene and formaldehyde can trigger asthma and allergies, so go for low-VOC.
• Better for the earth. A gallon of conventional paint, when thrown away, can seep into the earth and pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water.

Personally Speaking

Heather's nephew's nursery was painted with Anna Sova paints about 8 months ago and the walls still smell like milkshakes. Jen is about to embark on a home renovation project and is going to use clay instead of paint on her walls. Stay tuned.

Wanna Try?

First, some label insight... Good = Green Seal, which means that it's certified to be safe. Bad = EPA, OSHA or DOT seals, which mean that the paint contains hazardous chems that have to be monitored by the government.

• Anna Sova - get good coat from a paint that's made from 99% food-grade ingredients and renewables (available Jan '07).
• American Clay - actually a plaster, it's going to be all over the walls at Chez Jen very soon ($14/50 lbs).
• Real Milk Paint - for that "adobe"-style look ($46/gallon).
• Yolo Colorhouse - limited range of colors, but exquisite in all other ways ($37/gallon).
• Bioshield - both matte and gloss finishes. Also check out their all-natural primer and thinner ($30-50/gallon).
• Benjamin Moore Eco Spec - used by some of the top eco-builders out there ($25/gallon).
• American Pride Paints - great for people with chemical sensitivities ($22/gallon).
• Ecos Organic Paints - for our UK Biters (£15/1 L).
• Earth911 - find out where to recycle or donate leftover paint, and check out their paint calculators so you can buy just the amount you need.