Consumers and builders can now have environmentally preferable paints on their project at no extra cost, according to GreenPainters, Australia's national sustainable painting program.
GreenPainters Managing Director Daniel Wurm says the number of manufacturers producing certified low-VOC and natural paint products has increased to the point where they have become competitively priced.
"`This is great news for consumers and the environment", Mr Wurm said.
"It means that there is virtually no reason to keep using products that contain high levels of toxins and that most manufacturers are making efforts to reduce their impact on the environment."
Mr Wurm remarked that, until recently, many building designers have presented the eco-option as a luxury because of perceived higher cost.
"That's no longer an excuse - certified products are widely available for the same price as premium conventional paints.
"Of course there will always be cheap paints, but they don't last and are false economy if they need to be recoated because of low durability, or cause health issues due to toxic fumes", he advised.
Certified green paint products will usually display a `Good Environmental Choice tick' and have a full ingredients disclosure.
Mr Wurm suggests that if your painting contractor still wants to charge extra to use sustainable products, you might consider choosing an Accredited GreenPainter, instead.
"Accredited GreenPainters make eco-painting affordable, because they understand the benefits of using these paints, such as improved working conditions for their employees and better air quality for their clients", he concluded.