eco-paints
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197 Posts
Check out www.mythicpaint.com
or www.americanpridepaint.com
They are not only eco friendly but are human friendly too!
Keir
or www.americanpridepaint.com
They are not only eco friendly but are human friendly too!
Keir
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1,493 Posts
There are several reasons to look for green paint. Staying within/below VOC for specs, environmentally friendly, health conscious, etc.
I like the American Pride but would really like to try the AFM product. I have heard good things about it but have not tried it yet.
We are putting this on our website:
I like the American Pride but would really like to try the AFM product. I have heard good things about it but have not tried it yet.
We are putting this on our website:
- We offer a great selection of Zero VOC and Low VOC paints and materials that meet our high standards for quality. Remember, VOC standards, although a step in the right direction, is a government standard and can hardly be considered comprehensive or healthy. Many "Zero VOC" products on the market reduce emissions that cause outdoor air pollution, but still contain many unregulated toxic ingredients (such as formaldehyde, ammonia, acetone, exempt solvents and odor masking agents) that cause indoor air pollution. That means the same chemical that we use to embalm our dead, and used to soak frogs in high school science class, that we are putting on the walls of our home. Whenever possible our clients have the option available to them to choose a healthier product from manufacturers that look for more natural ingredients for their paints.
- American Pride http://www.americanpridepaint.com/
- SafeCoat http://www.afmsafecoat.com/
- Milk Paint http://www.milkpaint.com/path_safe.html
- BioShield Clay Paint http://www.bioshieldpaint.com/
- Aura http://www.benjaminmoore.com/
- Duration http://www.sherwin-williams.com/
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31 Posts
That's a pretty good list you put together, Tony. I have used all of these products (except Aura) over the years and can say that they all have their place, depending on the client or project. The natural plant oil and milk paints appeal to those wishing to eliminate synthetics; akin to organic cooking. The others appeal to folks looking to reduce HAP's or toxins in their environment. This is why I created my Degree of Green rating system and marketing program.
As a green building consultant, the products from Bioshield and AFM were always more convenient for me to spec, since both companies offer dozens of products. They both have wood stains, clear finishes and other specialty coatings. This made my job easier, in case we needed to troubleshoot. Plus, none of them, sans SW or BM, are really that easy to get. So it's better for me to make one long-distance call or work with one specialty store, rather than source six products from 3 or 4 locations.
In just about any case, though, you shouldn't go wrong.
As a green building consultant, the products from Bioshield and AFM were always more convenient for me to spec, since both companies offer dozens of products. They both have wood stains, clear finishes and other specialty coatings. This made my job easier, in case we needed to troubleshoot. Plus, none of them, sans SW or BM, are really that easy to get. So it's better for me to make one long-distance call or work with one specialty store, rather than source six products from 3 or 4 locations.
In just about any case, though, you shouldn't go wrong.
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1,493 Posts
Well, it was my thought that environmentally conscious consumers would be in a higher income bracket but, although I am a long way from any definitive experience with marketing it, I am finding the market is two-fold.
1. Environmentally conscious consumers who will typically be more comfortable with other like-minded people/contractors. Hopefully portraying a feeling of trust and community that would set us apart from other lower bids.
2. Health conscious families of young children, seniors, or others that are chemically sensitive due to respiratory or allergy issues, etc.
What I have been finding is that it is more of a middle income consumer that is worried about their health - at least after I educate them on the off-gassing issues of toxins and that little Johnny is like a pig in a jar in science class when they tuck him in at night because of all the formaldehyde thats coating their walls
.
There are two markets that will be booming over the next ten years:
1. Geriatrics
2. Environmentalism ("Green Technology" and "Indoor Air Quality"
Might as well jump on while you can still use it to differentiate your business.
1. Environmentally conscious consumers who will typically be more comfortable with other like-minded people/contractors. Hopefully portraying a feeling of trust and community that would set us apart from other lower bids.
2. Health conscious families of young children, seniors, or others that are chemically sensitive due to respiratory or allergy issues, etc.
What I have been finding is that it is more of a middle income consumer that is worried about their health - at least after I educate them on the off-gassing issues of toxins and that little Johnny is like a pig in a jar in science class when they tuck him in at night because of all the formaldehyde thats coating their walls
. There are two markets that will be booming over the next ten years:
1. Geriatrics
2. Environmentalism ("Green Technology" and "Indoor Air Quality"
Might as well jump on while you can still use it to differentiate your business.
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2,566 Posts
We have been Ecopainting for a few years.
It is not a niche
It is not a bandwagon (but welcome aboard)
It is not for the yuppies
Green is not just sexy
I always thought that a good business is ethical.
Being environmentally responsible is ethical.
It is not only about the zero VOC paint.
A good enamel lasting many years, may be more eco-friendly
than a low VOC paintjob done every year.
Some questions:
1) Do you use low VOC paint (and as we are finding out, there are better
alternatives than the major manufacturer's offerings)
2) Do you wash your tools on the customers lawn?
3) Do you capture and recycle most of your paint thinners?
4) How much plastic do you use (are you re-using clean plastic)?
5)Do you use junk mail, or as we affectionately call it, direct mail?
6)How much is in your presentation folders?
7)What vehicle are you driving around in, for your estimates?
8)Do you buy extra paint (just in case)
9)Do you use computer faxing?
Any more suggestions are welcome.
No it is not about the paint only.
It is not a niche
It is not a bandwagon (but welcome aboard)
It is not for the yuppies
Green is not just sexy
I always thought that a good business is ethical.
Being environmentally responsible is ethical.
It is not only about the zero VOC paint.
A good enamel lasting many years, may be more eco-friendly
than a low VOC paintjob done every year.
Some questions:
1) Do you use low VOC paint (and as we are finding out, there are better
alternatives than the major manufacturer's offerings)
2) Do you wash your tools on the customers lawn?
3) Do you capture and recycle most of your paint thinners?
4) How much plastic do you use (are you re-using clean plastic)?
5)Do you use junk mail, or as we affectionately call it, direct mail?
6)How much is in your presentation folders?
7)What vehicle are you driving around in, for your estimates?
8)Do you buy extra paint (just in case)
9)Do you use computer faxing?
Any more suggestions are welcome.
No it is not about the paint only.
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1,493 Posts
George, "Ecopainting" can be a niche. A niche as a marketing term refers to a sub-market or more narrow of a focus. Since the majority of contractors are still dumping thinner in the ground or in the toilette and the majority of consumers will still put Behr paint on their walls, using environmentally friendly and healthier materials and practices IS a nich market.
This isn't a debate about global warming it is simply about capitalizing on a trend that just happens to be a more responsible way to live. The only way the market as a whole will change to more conscientious procedures and practices is when the consumer demands it and there is a profit to be made. When the consumer does demand that their local painter, HVAC, plumber, builder, etc. are more responsible, then those companies marketing Ecopainting and other services will thrive. And, when they do thrive, more businesses will be rushing to offer more responsible services whether they believe in them or not. If we want to save the world then we need to make it enticing to business.
Capitalism can be good for the environment. :thumbsup:
PS – I wouldn’t mind talking to you some time in the future to learn how we could do more to fall in line. I can remember your web site from a couple of years ago when I was originally looking for other painters using more responsible practices. Even now there are very few marketing Ecopainting.
This isn't a debate about global warming it is simply about capitalizing on a trend that just happens to be a more responsible way to live. The only way the market as a whole will change to more conscientious procedures and practices is when the consumer demands it and there is a profit to be made. When the consumer does demand that their local painter, HVAC, plumber, builder, etc. are more responsible, then those companies marketing Ecopainting and other services will thrive. And, when they do thrive, more businesses will be rushing to offer more responsible services whether they believe in them or not. If we want to save the world then we need to make it enticing to business.
Capitalism can be good for the environment. :thumbsup:
PS – I wouldn’t mind talking to you some time in the future to learn how we could do more to fall in line. I can remember your web site from a couple of years ago when I was originally looking for other painters using more responsible practices. Even now there are very few marketing Ecopainting.
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A trend is something temporary.
Do you think all this money invested in green coatings would have been,
if we are all going back to solvent paints? I don't think so.
My point is, the consumer buys the decorating experience,
not the paint on their walls.
"Jumping" on it and calling being responsible a niche, is self serving and it shows to most consumers.
Sort of like "we don't smoke inside your home"
but your driveway is full of cigarettes.
There are many "me too" consumer products but they don't last long.
Would you jump on the bandwagon of "being licenced and insured?"
It's a given that a good contractor would be.
Where do ethics start and where do they end.
Do you think all this money invested in green coatings would have been,
if we are all going back to solvent paints? I don't think so.
My point is, the consumer buys the decorating experience,
not the paint on their walls.
"Jumping" on it and calling being responsible a niche, is self serving and it shows to most consumers.
Sort of like "we don't smoke inside your home"
but your driveway is full of cigarettes.
There are many "me too" consumer products but they don't last long.
Would you jump on the bandwagon of "being licenced and insured?"
It's a given that a good contractor would be.
Where do ethics start and where do they end.
It hasn't been, but it can be (I think, but not in it's purest form)
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316 Posts
Green is like a religion.:devil2: I like low VOC or no VOC paints, they are better for My health too. I like the idea of recycling, using limited amounts of solvents, and proper cleanup and disposal methods. Just seems to me that these days there is a lot of hype, especially in the camp that follows Al Gore (who by the way is a BIG consumer of resources).
I would like to get into the other end of the fad though, selling carbon offsets to the people who do not practice what they preach. I would be happy to hear from anyone who is interested in this enterprize, as I have some land that is available for tree planting.:euro:
Oh, by the way, I will miss the old incandescent light bulb, seems it is being replaced with something not quite so "ecofriendly"
Happy painting, Paul.
I would like to get into the other end of the fad though, selling carbon offsets to the people who do not practice what they preach. I would be happy to hear from anyone who is interested in this enterprize, as I have some land that is available for tree planting.:euro:
Oh, by the way, I will miss the old incandescent light bulb, seems it is being replaced with something not quite so "ecofriendly"
Happy painting, Paul.
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197 Posts
We are adding dealers all the time. I appreciate your desire to locate products, did you know that if there isn't a dealer in your area you can order Mythic directly from us. Give us a call using the number on our website and we can ship directly to you. I also know that there are 2 new dealers coming in Philly shortly, so hang in there we will get it to you.
Keir
Keir
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27 Posts
Check into "YOLO Colorhouse" Paints out of Portland, Oregon.
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566 Posts
I'd like to add something here...
First, it's not enough to look for low VOC... There a plenty of low VOC paints that are STILL TOXIC!
I think that if you are going to present yourself as eco-friendly... you've got to be using products that are NON-Toxic...
First, it's not enough to look for low VOC... There a plenty of low VOC paints that are STILL TOXIC!
I think that if you are going to present yourself as eco-friendly... you've got to be using products that are NON-Toxic...
I am new to this forum. We are, for both reasons mentioned here... personal values/ethics AND the growing market demand, "niche" if you will, looking to specialize more and more in green products.
I have just begun to look into them and am glad to have found the Mythic website. I am going to check out all the companies on Tony's list and see what is in our area!
Reading this discussion brought to mind something to share, although off topic, for all of you who have concerns with the use of formeldahyde...
you should know that keeping it off our children's walls is one concern... but keeping it out of their bodies is a whole other...there is formeldahyde IN vaccines given to our babies!
Anyway, thanks everyone for the great info here.
I learn something valuable everytime I log in!
And I am really understanding now why looking for low or no VOC is only the tip of the iceberg!
I have just begun to look into them and am glad to have found the Mythic website. I am going to check out all the companies on Tony's list and see what is in our area!
Reading this discussion brought to mind something to share, although off topic, for all of you who have concerns with the use of formeldahyde...
you should know that keeping it off our children's walls is one concern... but keeping it out of their bodies is a whole other...there is formeldahyde IN vaccines given to our babies!
Anyway, thanks everyone for the great info here.
I learn something valuable everytime I log in!
And I am really understanding now why looking for low or no VOC is only the tip of the iceberg!
Joined
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199 Posts
Very well said Tony & George. Sounds like you 2 are a bit ahead of the green curve. There are many options, however, and unfortunately the science has not been there to produce an effective product as it relates to application. You all make $$$$ at the point of application. NOT point of purchase.
If the clays and the milks "worked", we would all produce them and might even be the standard today. Companies like Mythic, Kelly-Moore, SW, MAB, DE, Pitts, etc., simply haven't had effective binders, latex, and resins to make a product that works for the applicator and for us as manufacturers.
The ARB here in the good ole USA, is realizing that the science isn't there yet, for what the want to achieve in VOC's for the paint market. Can it? Absolutely. From the little I have researched, I'd say Mythic is on to something here as it relates to what they are putting in buckets. A real strong team of people for sure.
Kelly-Moore is very involved w/ low or no VOC paint. We have a line called Enviro-Coat and actually manufacture for YOLO Colorhouse.
Green is certainly not a trend. And as a conservative, we ought to take care of where we live and be very conscious of our eco-footprint we have and leave.
If the clays and the milks "worked", we would all produce them and might even be the standard today. Companies like Mythic, Kelly-Moore, SW, MAB, DE, Pitts, etc., simply haven't had effective binders, latex, and resins to make a product that works for the applicator and for us as manufacturers.
The ARB here in the good ole USA, is realizing that the science isn't there yet, for what the want to achieve in VOC's for the paint market. Can it? Absolutely. From the little I have researched, I'd say Mythic is on to something here as it relates to what they are putting in buckets. A real strong team of people for sure.
Kelly-Moore is very involved w/ low or no VOC paint. We have a line called Enviro-Coat and actually manufacture for YOLO Colorhouse.
Green is certainly not a trend. And as a conservative, we ought to take care of where we live and be very conscious of our eco-footprint we have and leave.
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