The Emergence and Importance of Eco-Friendly Paint

The Emergence and Importance of Eco-Friendly Paint

Companies have started creating eco-friendly paints in the hopes that reducing the environmental impact of their products and working to bring carbon-neutral, sustainable elements to their customers can help to change the industry and appeal to the ever-growing public sentiment that we need to do better when it comes to the way we treat our planet.

There are a couple different types of this eco-friendly paint, but let’s dive into carbon-neutral paint – a type of paint that works to absorb CO2. If a product like this were to really take off, the impact could be huge. The amount of gallons of paint that are gone through each year in Colorado alone is astronomical. Imagine if just a fraction of that paint was suddenly working alongside the trees in your yard to absorb CO2 from the air.

Not to mention, using paints like these can help to keep your house cool in that late summer heat. One particular shade of ultra-white that was designed by researchers at Purdue University is so effective at reflecting light and keeping home temperatures down that people are predicting products like it could one day replace air conditioning. Practical, cooling, and good for the environment?

While experimental products like this aren’t available on every hardware store or home improvement super center yet, they should be in the next few years.

Another execution of the same general concept is called “green paint” – and no, we’re not just talking about the color here. It’s non-toxic, and free of some of the more harmful health and environmental impacts that otherwise comparable products come with. If you can, look for non-toxic, water-based options – especially when you’re thinking of painting indoors.

In addition to producing these “green” paints, many companies are also working to implement recycled packaging, more streamlined production and distribution processes and reducing their overall output of toxic chemicals.

At this point, it’s hard to see a downside.