When Green Isn't Green

What does "green" really mean? 

You see it everywhere, products with advertising slogans that promise a new "green" formulation. But what does "green" refer to? This blog is about your home so let's talk about "green" paints.

A few years ago the problem of indoor air quality came to the attention of the public. Volatile Organic Compounds otherwise known as VOC's were recognized as a major contributor to bad indoor air quality. So manufacturers of paints began to develop low VOC paints to meet the demands of the public. Now there are zero VOC products available as well. But the question is, are these products better, and are they safe?

There are many different paints available so I will not make blanket statements about all "green" or low VOC and zero VOC paints. What I can tell you is that there are many other chemicals in paints that have potential negative health impacts that are not VOC's and thus are not regulated. Many manufacturers use "masking .agents to decrease the perceived odor of paints, these are not regulated because they are not VOC's. However that doesn't make them safe. Many paint companies use "proprietary compounds" that they consider trade secrets and thus do not disclose. Ammonia and acetone are two known dangerous chemicals that can have major heath consequences if they are use without adequate ventilation or come into contact with the skin. Neither is a VOC and so can still be an ingredient in these supposedly "green" paints.

The bottom line is that just because these newer paint products claim to be "green" and actually contain no VOC's does not mean that they are safe. There is still outgassing of chemicals into your interior air. Check out the paints that you use very carefully before introducing them into your house.

Next time we will talk about alternative wall finishes that really are green!

What is Artisan Style Living?

Too many homes that are built today have no personality, soul or vitality. Plain off-white walls, generic carpets, vinyl floors, off the shelf cabinets and counter tops and so on. So what can you do? This blog will be dedicated to exploring ways to enhance and transform your house into a home that reflects the uniqueness of YOU!

We all have preferences and as in most blogs this one will undoubtedly reflect mine, so why don't I give you some idea of what to expect.

I love older homes, especially Craftsman style, Bungalow style home that have a lot of character. I also like old farmhouses, especially some prairie style homes.

I hate plastic! Whether it is plastic furniture, plastic walls (i.e. latex paint), plastic floors (vinyl) or plastic counter tops (Formica). What I like is plaster walls, natural wood and tile floors, and concrete, marble, stone or tile counters.

I dislike the chemicals that are used in the production of many building products and I am convinced that they pose a health risk to many people. I will talk about ways to eliminate or reduce the use of these products and suggest alternatives that are more people friendly. Just because a product is labeled "green" doesn't mean that it is safe!

I will explore many of these options and talk about new products as well as old products that are being rediscovered. Products and methods that I am passionate about will crop up in many different posts, but I will gladly take suggestions as well as respond to questions and comments.