Paint it Green

Image via interiordesign.net

In my last post I told you where to score some great recycled goods. But what are you to do if your new old stuff is looking a bit too dated? Update it – the green way.

One of the best ways to make something old look new again is a fresh coat of paint. Yet according to the EPA, the air indoors can be many times more polluted than the outside air, and paint can be one of the biggest offenders of indoor air pollution.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are the greatest offenders. They are potentially carcinogenic carbon-based chemicals that are extremely harmful in the home. This article outlines the potential hazards of paint. It also describes different types of environmentally-friendly paint (including low VOC paints, natural interior paints, and exterior paints), tells how to remove paint, and gives great additional tips.

Many companies have caught on and have released lines of low- or zero-VOC paints. Yet consumers must be careful about the assertions of these companies. According to this post on environmental blog Inhabitat, “there is no third party verification of the claims” of Sherwin-Williams that the whole company has become green. They go so far as to say “these types of claims [would be classified] as greenwashing."

The safest option for both your health and the environment is natural paint. While in the past they have been criticized as lacking quality, today the quality is much improved and natural paint is a great option. If you want to explore the various types of natural paints, this website provides a list of multiple natural paints and finishes.

Happy painting!

Don't sacrifice style to make an Environmental Statement

Image via Juleselin

As commonly known, the three basic human needs in life are food, clothing, and shelter. While Liz is focusing on eco-friendly buildings and design, I would like to explore the fashion realm. Clothing and fashion can be a reflection of personal style and I would love to help reflect an environmentally conscious lifestyle with that clothing. Articles should reflect how you truly feel about your environment and world.

From hemp clothing to bottle cap belts clothing design and style has been known to suffer in order to be safe for our environment. Today this couldn’t be farther from the truth. We now have the opportunity to support environmentally friendly clothing companies without sacrificing style or comfort.

Take for example Julia Elin Burnbaum who designs for the Juleselin Company. She uses organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fabrications to create updated styles of jackets and coats that are made to be flattering. She even uses recycled paper for packaging and shipping her products.

As Liz mentioned, designer boutiques and stylists are not the only place to look for green products. You can be your own designer by using some of the mentioned websites and stores to up-date your wardrobe and create new looks for those older styles. In this blog I hope to make accessible green designers and companies while also providing new ideas for used but re-usable fabrics and clothing.

Getting Thrifty

Image via thethriftshopper.com

With the environment having been such a hot topic over the past few years, “eco-friendly” companies pushing “green” products seem to be everywhere these days. Yet often there is a price to pay for being environmentally conscious—these products can get pretty expensive. Taking into consideration the economic downturn, being eco-friendly hasn’t been at the top of everyone’s to-do list.

But there is an alternative option to new, often over-priced merchandise: try recycled goods instead. Visit your local
Salvation Army or Goodwill to find great furniture or other home decorations for a steal.

While the practice of exchanging objects at consignment stores, thrift markets, and antique shops is well established, the advent of the Internet has made this practice even more widespread. Here are some sites that help you shop on a shoestring budget while being environmentally conscious:

• Freecycle
• Craig's List
• Ebay
• The Thrift Shopper

If you are a college student, there are often posting boards for buying and selling goods available for students. Lydia and I attend Furman University, where there is an online Classifieds forum to which all students, faculty, and staff have access. Personally, I have bought and sold many items on Furman Classifieds.

So the next time you really need an item for your home (or if you just get that shopping itch), visit one of the stores or sites listed above. You might just be surprised by what you are able to find!