With eco-friendly painting becoming more mainstream, there's a lot to learn. However, don't be intimidated; eco-friendly painting habits are easy to learn. Here is what you need to know:

What is Eco-Friendly Paint?

Eco friendly paint refers to two types of paint: 1) paint with low or no-VOCs and 2) paint made from an alternative source, such as milk or lime based paint.

What is so Harmful About Conventional Paint?

The paints that we have been using for the past few hundred years are filled with harmful chemicals. The most problematic and harmful type of those chemicals is called a VOC (volatile organic compound). VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Some VOCs have an odor, which is part of what makes paint so smelly.

However, some of the VOCS in paint have no odor. Research has proven that VOCs are harmful and can cause damage to our health and environment without us realizing. In fact, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, "Breathing low levels of VOCs for long periods of time may increase some people's risk of health problems. Several studies suggest that exposure to VOCs may make symptoms worse in people who have asthma or are particularly sensitive to chemicals."

Additionally, long-term exposure to VOCs can also increase one's risk of cancer, liver damage, kidney damage and central nervous system damage. VOCs are bad for the environment primarily because the gases they emit harm the ozone.

Eco-Friendly Paint Options

For the best choice, select a zero or no-VOC paint. Zero-VOC paint is almost completely free of toxins. Low-VOC paints are also an excellent choice, since those paints contain fewer harmful ingredients than conventional paint. Most popular, good-quality paint companies manufacture low or zero-VOC paint, including: Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore and Martha Stewart.

For a complete eco-paint experience, research some of the following alternative paint options:

. The Real Milk Paint Co. - Milk-based paint, also known as casein paint.

It's available in several colors.

. Bioshield Paint - Clay-based paint made from only raw materials, such as oils, minerals and other natural resources.

. Green Planet Paints - One of the only paints based on plant resins and mineral pigments that is 100% VOC-free.

. Transmineral USA - Lime-based paint, made from natural hydraulic lime and does not contain any chemicals or additives.

Additional Tips for Successful Eco-Friendly Painting

. Eco-Painting Tools - Select paint applicators made from recycled and renewable materials such as those made with recycled nylon bristles and recycled roller covers.

. Measure Carefully - This will prevent an excess of leftover paint and will help to avoid waste.

. Cloth Tarps - They will last longer and reduce waste.

. Wash When Necessary - Wrap paint applicators in a plastic bag instead of washing them. As long as they are kept away from the sun, the applicators will last overnight or even a few days.

. Careful Cleanup - Scrape applicators before you wash them, as it will reduce the time you need to wash them. Don't wash your tools outside in your yard with a hose, as the paint can harm your soil. Additionally, storm drains generally drain to natural water sources, which you should not pollute with paint- even no-VOC paint.

.Never pour paint or paint thinner down the drain. Place shredded paper into the paint can to absorb the paint and then discard in your regular waste.

Written by Marcy Tate

Marcy is a home improvement writer at

Networx. She works with house painters learning ways to educate homeowners about eco-friendly painting.