Green Newton

Paint can make a space beautiful and unique. There are many types of architectural paints and coatings on the market and this Environmental Protection Agency webpage provides some resources to help you choose a safer and greener option.

Sustainability Considerations*

• Reduction/elimination of toxics (e.g., ammonia, formaldehyde, odor masking agents, fungicides) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Recycled-content
• Salvaged excess paints (some vendors can remix into almost any color)
• Alternative paints (lime, milk protein, clay, and earth-based pigments)
• Durability
• Manufacturer or retailer take-back and recycling options for unused paint

See EPA Recommended Standards & Ecolabels for Paints and Coatings.

*Depending upon the performance requirements (e.g., interior or exterior), building occupants, project scope, and other considerations

NOTE: The Newton Resource Recovery Center (115 Rumford Ave., Auburndale) maintains a latex paint exchange where you can drop off and take left over paints that are less than 10 years old in can that are more than half full. See the guidelines.