Becoming more eco-friendly and sustainable can often feel a little overwhelming. There are so many things we have to think about and decide upon whilst also keeping the wider impact of our decisions in mind, so as to be mindful about our planet and local environment Did you know that one of those choices can include paint? Paint, like so many other products, hasn’t had the most glowing reputation in the fight against climate change, however many of the brands we sell at Templeogue Décor and online on The Colour Hub are natural water-based, low VOC and planet-friendly paints.

How can paint be eco-friendly? Paint technology has been moving away from oil-based paints towards water-based paints over the last twenty years. The majority of research funding has been going into water based technology. Making the switch, doesn’t compromise on quality or finish. Choosing a water-based paint has the added benefit of low or no odour so no more paint headaches.

One eco-friendly brand we provide in-store and online at The Colour Hub is Little Greene. They have always been totally committed to the ongoing well-being and protection of the world environment and in 2004 they were one of the first UK paint manufacturers to achieve the European environmental standard BS EN ISO 14001. Their waterbased paints carry the industry’s lowest eco-rating, with VOC content now virtually zero. This means there’s no need to worry about a strong smell as they are virtually odourless. If a water-based isn’t for you, then take a look at their oil-based paints. Their oil-based paints use sustainable vegetable oils, without compromising on their quality and finish. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better? Little Greene’s paint tins are made using over 50% recycled steel and can be recycled again. When recycling paint tins, take a look at MyWaste.ie to double-check the correct way to recycle paint cans.

Another eco-friendly brand that we provide in-store and online at The Colour Hub is Fleetwood Paints. Fleetwood were one of the first manufacturers in Ireland to be certified with the Ecolabel. The Ecolabel identifies a product or service that are proven to be environmentally preferable overall, within a specific product or service category. Fleetwood’s cans are also one of the first to carry the Metal Recycles Forever™ mark. Their Metal packaging is low carbon and a resource-efficient solution as it can be infinitely recycled. Their plant in Virginia, Co. Cavan, re-used 92% of all production wastewater within the plant which ensures that every drop of water(including rainwater) leaving the plant is thoroughly treated and inspected to the highest standards which then helps attain the lowest risk rating.

Paint and Paper Library are another brand we provide which create eco-friendly paint. Their paints are made by traditional methods, but use the highest quality eco-friendly ingredients and meet and exceed the current regulations on VOC solvent content which are formulated to make an impact on your walls, not on the environment.

Here at Templeogue Décor – The Colour Hub, we continue to strive to work towards a cleaner and safer environment for our future generations. Every day we aim to create as little waste as possible, reduce our water consumption and we recycle as much waste as we can. If you want to chat more about our Eco-Friendly brands, just give us a call on (01) 490 9831.

Clockwise from Top: Hepburn Light from Fleetwood’s VogueCollection, Urbane Grey 225, Royal Navy 257, Mister David 47 fromLittle Greene and Squid Ink from Paint and Paper Library Allavailable online at www.thecolourhub.ie.