Trying to go green sounds good, but diving into the technical jargon and milling through companies marketing claims can be overwhelming! I am reminded of when the low fat craze began and the constant struggle to lose a pound or two. I pored over the marketing claims of low fat foods in the grocery store, spending way more than the hour I had allotted to do my weekly shopping. I went for foods with the lowest possible fat content trying to stick to the rule of thumb - nothing over 30% fat calorie ratio.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Loaded with my arsenal of foods and complete with my favorite healthy choice cookies—I was ready to lose weight!! Of course, later many of these products were exposed as having twice the amount of sugars and carbs in them and more preservatives and chemicals in each bite that the military has in their arsenal.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Oikos
I have felt the same way going through the volatile organic compound (VOC) ratios in paint products that claim to be green with one exception—this time I had to pull out my readers to read the fine print. The VOC’s are the harmful emissions that paint, glues, stains, fabrics, furniture, cleaners and other things in your home emit. VOC levels are typically expressed in grams per liter or g/l. Up until 1999, the content in paints was pushing 1000 g/l but federal regulations have since set the VOC content limit in paint at 250 grams per liter.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Green Seal, the developer of environmental standards, certifies interior paints as low-VOC if the content is below 50 g/l for flat coat or 150 g/l for non-flat coat. Zero-VOC paints are paints that have a VOC content of 5 g/l or less. Most major paint companies now produce low VOC paint. If you are really interested in the guidelines make sure the pigments put in the paint are low VOC as well.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Watch out!! Many companies will use low odor in their marketing to portray that their products are meeting the green standards when they are not. Basic rule of thumb—products that smell more have higher VOC’s.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Slow Fashioned
The new green movement is highlighting the fact that the older, more natural, ways of doing things are not only healthier for us physically but also healthier for a longer living planet. Green isn’t only considering producing new products with low VOC’s, but also reusing materials that we have to save the environment and reduce the amount of material we send to landfills.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Some ways are easy and can even help save on your decorating budget. Recycle! Recycle! Recycle! Look around your home at what you have. Do you have furniture, light fixtures, hardware, mirrors, kitchen cabinets or built-ins with great lines that just may need a face lift? With specialty paint treatments as shown above, these can be transformed at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new items.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
During a past visit to Tuscany I noticed many restaurants served only fresh, preservative free foods and wines. The food was so beautifully presented and delicious that I found myself indulging in 3 course breakfasts and 5 course lunches and dinners complete with wine and dessert. I was amazed that I didn’t gain a single pound! I became a believer that chemicals and preservatives which so much of the food we consume in the states contain, can’t be broken down which not only prevents our bodies from metabolizing the food as efficiently, but also puts a strain on our organs when doing so.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Food analogies help me relate to so many things-haha. Chemicals that surround us in any fashion, if they can't break down naturally, are unhealthy to our bodies and to our earth. Well, after all of my research, I find myself definitely on the road to a greener way of life! Recycle, reuse and refurbish what I have when possible, pay close attention to labels and buy lower VOC paint when it makes sense financially and aesthetically.
Just In at the Segreto Boutique!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Druzy and beaded earrings.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Unique necklaces.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Get ready for parties at the ranch or a Father's day celebration with these Deer emblazoned styrofoam cups and cocktail napkins and the gorgeous antler chargers.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
New work by Darlene Wall written up as one of Texas best landscape artists. If you would like more info about any of these items come visit us at 1414 Antoine or email karen@segretofinishes.com.Have a great week!!! xo Leslie
To purchase “Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors” on our website, click here or to purchase through Amazon, click here.
To subscribe to Segreto Blog, click here.To follow Segreto Finishes on Facebook, click here.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.