The United States Environmental Protection Agency has stated that the air inside our homes is two to three times more polluted than the outside air. This is due to poor ventilation and VOCs in paint. Paint can emit toxic fumes into the air years after it was originally applied.

Finding eco-friendly paint
The best advice you can get is to read the labels and ask a lot of questions. The Home Depot carries a line of eco-friendly paint called "The Freshaire Choice". You can also find another brand called "Benjamin Moore Aura". Expect to pay about $35 to $55 per gallon of eco-friendly paint.

Look at the label on the paint bucket and search for a paint that is below 50 grams per liter. This is your VOC count. The lower the number, the better chance you have of protecting yourself from the VOCs. Eco-friendly paints are made with water as a base versus the petroleum-based oil solvents of the past. A non-profit organization called Green Seal is working towards keeping paint low on VOCs. A paint bucket that has the Green Seal on it will ensure you are selecting approved eco-friendly paint.

The Freshaire Choice
This is the exclusive Home Depot line of eco-friendly paint. Freshair paint is approved by Green Seal and offers 66 different colors in flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes. The average colorant to paint will add approximately 150 grams of VOC into the paint upon mixing. The Freshaire Choice paint contains absolutely no VOCs and still allows the customer the freshest color and quality available.

The Home Depot has gone one step further with their new paint line as well. The packaging is made from 100 percent recycled materials. You can purchase the Freshaire Choice paint for $35 - 38 dollars per gallon.

Using eco-friendly paint
Just like any other paint, you need to properly prepare your walls. Always wear a mask and goggles to protect yourself from inhaling any harmful toxins when sanding the walls. Use eco-friendly base paint. This can also be found at The Home Depot's selection of Freshaire paint. Always allow proper ventilation when painting, even for eco-friendly paint. Apply the paint just as you would normally and be sure to properly cleanse or dispose of the materials upon finishing your paint job. Upon finishing you will notice you no longer have a "fresh paint" smell. This is because all the toxins have been removed. You will actually have cleaner air than you did before! Eco-friendly paint must be stored at room temperature year round since it contains water. It will freeze if you leave it in the garage during the harsh winter months.

You will find that eco-friendly paints can withstand the test of time and provide cleaner, safer air for your family. Plus, you can feel good knowing that you are helping to clean up the ozone layer as well! Eco-friendly paints are important to changing your house into a "green house". Be sure you properly select the appropriate paint for your needs.