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GREEN DESIGN
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Paint it Green
The most environmentally preferable paint option is to use paint only where necessary. Always choose the type, brand and quantity wisely. Store your paint properly and dispose of it safely (reusing and recycling any excess paint first). The substitution of toxic paints with alternative products is encouraged to lessen the risk to human health and the environment.
Paints generally consist of a resin or binder, pigments, and a carrier. 
They also consist of solvents, toxic metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause smog, ozone pollution, and indoor air quality problems with negative health effects. These unhealthy ingredients offgas into the air during the application and even after the paints are dry. Once paint is applied, the carrier evaporates leaving behind a solid coating. In oil-based paints the carrier is a solvent consisting of VOCs. Titanium dioxide, a pigment used in nearly all paint production, is manufactured using a highly polluting and energy intensive process. It reacts with sunlight to contribute to smog when used in exterior application, and poor indoor air quality when used in interior application. Fungicides and preservatives are added to latex paints to combat mildew.
The danger of VOCs has resulted in government regulations and consumer demand forcing continuing changes in paint formulations. Newer formulations contain more paint solids and less solvent, and there is a shift away from oil-based to waterborne or latex paints. Because they do not use solvents as the primary carrier, latex paints emit far fewer volatile organic compounds upon application. They also do not require solvents for the cleaning of tools and equipment.
Options for safer paint:
- Recycled paint is post consumer paint made by either reprocessing like types of paint or consolidating paint with similar characteristics. It can be very economical but may not have the greatest selection of colors.
- Low VOC paints are designed specifically to reduce air pollution and should be the preferred paint for indoor use to increase indoor air quality.
For a selection of low VOC and recycled paints check out the Environmental Home Center in Seattle.
King County Environmental Purchasing Program offers more information on Environmentally Preferred Paint Options.