Eco-Friendly DIY Painting Tips

Homeowners are always looking for ways to reduce costs and become more environmentally friendly. I know that this has been a big mission of mine over the last few years, and we are always trying to reduce waste at home. Approaches include smart meters, reducing expenses, saving water, and more, but how do you tackle the task of sustainable painting and decorating?

In this guide, I will unveil some of my top handy tips and advice for eco-friendly DIY. With a focus on the most environmentally friendly paint choices, I’ll also discuss how to reduce household waste and be more sustainable with the rest of your home decor.

Our bed at home with a middle-firm mattress

Five top tips for eco-friendly DIY painting

1. Use water-based paint

Oil-based paints are becoming redundant in modern homes, and the industry is actively phasing them out. Water-based paint is an eco-friendly alternative that’s perfect for the environmentally conscious home decorator.

With fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which have nitrous oxide levels that cause temperature increases and damage the ozone layer, water-based paints reduce the negative impact on the environment. They also have less odour, last longer, and dry quicker than oil-based paint, making them great for your home and the planet.

2. Choose eco-friendly paint brands

You don’t have to damage the environment with your paint choices. L ittle Greene, for example, is a premium, eco-friendly paint company offering a range of environmentally friendly paints and wallpapers.

They’re super-passionate about sustainability and using the finest ingredients, and they’re one of the leading suppliers of water-based, low-VOC luxury paint.

3. Go British for your paint products

Not only is Britain becoming a leading paint provider, but you can also reduce transportation costs if you choose paints manufactured in your country. Since transportation contributes to around a quarter of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, this is a considerable step toward a greener society.

You’ll also be doing your bit to reduce air pollution, noise pollution and habitat fragmentation.

Lick exterior paint next to the wall I painted

4. Incorporate recycling into your paint projects

How many times have you finished a paint job at home and found yourself with half-empty paint pots? I know I have, but you don’t have to let them go to waste. Instead, recycle leftover paint and use it for small upcycling projects.

If you have unopened paint from previous projects, you can donate it to one of many community repaint organisations across the UK. Simply put in your postcode to find recycling centres near you that accept usable paint.

I love this idea – we always put leftover paint in our garage thinking we might need it for touch ups in the future, and then years later have a clean out and get rid of it all. We should definitely make more of an effort to fill a tester pot with a tiny amount of paint and recycle the rest.

5. Opt for clean spirits

Just like oil-based paints, white spirits contain harmful VOCs. They’re also a leading indoor pollutant and can cause damage to human health.

Clean spirit is a fantastic alternative and because it has minimal solvent content, it’s safer and better for the environment. Clean spirits are also multifunctional and can be used to clean paint brushes, rollers, and trays.

Eco-friendly decorating tips for the rest of your house

Now you’re up to date with how to reduce your environmental impact with paint, it’s time to consider the rest of your home. Let’s explore the vast possibilities available with eco-friendly decor.

Embrace plants and flowers

Plants and flowers aren’t just for your garden; they can create better air quality for the inside of your home, too. By absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, indoor plants also help you reduce your carbon footprint, making them a fantastic eco-friendly decorating tip.

It also goes without saying that plants and flowers are a beautiful addition to any interior!

Upcycle old belongings

Upcycling helps you create unique pieces for the home and reusing furniture that’s already been built helps reduce your environmental impact. This is a win/win for your home decor and lets you express yourself without damaging the planet.

There’s also lots of room to get creative with upcycling projects and you can take your interiors to the next level with a truly one-of-a-kind statement piece.

Our upcycled sideboard in the dining room — The corner cupboard we bought for £40 and upcycled

Choose sustainable lighting

An underrated eco-friendly decorating tip is to make the most of the natural light provided by the sun. If you aren’t blessed with natural sunlight indoors, solar-powered lamps are also growing in popularity and are a fantastic option for the sustainable decorator.

If you’re more budget-conscious, LED lights have a much longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs and are more affordable than solar-powered lamps.

Use sustainable materials

FSC (forest management certification) timber is the best option for eco-friendly DIY projects. Built to protect forests from deforestation and excessive clearcutting, FSC is often recycled so new trees aren’t cut down to produce them.

For softer touches in the home, choose natural fibres like organic cotton and wool, which are better for the environment than synthetic alternatives. These can be used for cushion and sofa covers, pillowcases, and more.

Final thoughts

The paint industry has come a long way, and homeowners don’t need to compromise sustainability for the perfect interior paint job. By making the right choices with your paint and other decorating ideas, you can bring your home decor to life and do your bit for the environment at the same time.