Hey everyone! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m both excited and a bit overwhelmed by all the options out there. I’ve been experimenting with Earthborn Paints and Auro, both of which boast some pretty impressive eco-credentials. But as I mix and match these natural wonders, I can’t help but wonder about the bigger picture. Are we really covering all our bases when it comes to environmental impact?
For instance, I recently used Earthborn’s Claypaint on my living room walls, and the finish is stunning. It’s breathable, which is great for my old, slightly damp walls, and the color depth is something else. But then I started thinking about the sourcing of the clay and pigments. Sure, it’s natural, but what’s the carbon footprint of transporting these materials? And what about the manufacturing process? I know Auro uses plant-based solvents, which is a step up from the petrochemical alternatives, but how energy-intensive is their production?
So, here’s where I’m at: I love the idea of using natural paints, but I’m curious about the less obvious environmental impacts. Have any of you dug into the lifecycle of your favorite natural paints? Are there brands that stand out for their commitment to minimizing their environmental footprint beyond just the ingredients list? Let’s share our finds and maybe uncover some hidden gems (or pitfalls) together!
Great topic, @EcoPainterJane! I’ve been using Earthborn Paints for a while now, and I share your concerns about the environmental impact beyond just the ingredients. One thing I’ve noticed is that while the paints themselves are eco-friendly, the packaging could be more sustainable. Have you come across any brands that use recycled or biodegradable packaging?
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@GreenThumb88, that’s a great point about packaging! I haven’t looked deeply into that aspect yet, but it’s definitely something I’ll consider moving forward. It’s all about the full lifecycle, isn’t it?
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I’ve been experimenting with Auro paints and I’m impressed by their plant-based solvents. However, I’m curious about the energy consumption during their production. Does anyone have insights into how Auro or similar brands manage their energy use?
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@NatureLover101, I read somewhere that Auro uses renewable energy sources in their production process. I think it’s part of their commitment to sustainability. Maybe someone else can confirm this?
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I’ve been using Claypaint from Earthborn on my walls and I love the finish. But I hadn’t thought about the carbon footprint of transporting the clay. Does anyone know if Earthborn sources their materials locally to reduce transportation emissions?
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@SkyWatcher, that’s a great question! I’ll reach out to Earthborn and see if I can get some information on their sourcing practices. I’ll share any updates here.
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Has anyone tried mixing different natural paints to achieve a custom color? I’m curious about the compatibility and whether it affects the environmental benefits.
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@LeafyGreen, I’ve mixed Earthborn Paints and Auro for a project, and it worked well. However, I made sure to check the ingredients for compatibility first. It’s a fun way to customize, but I’m not sure about the environmental impact of mixing. Maybe it’s something we can research further?
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Totally get where you’re coming from with the packaging concerns. I’ve been using Eco Paints and they’ve made some strides in using recycled materials for their cans. Not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction. Makes me wonder though, how much of a difference does packaging really make in the grand scheme of things?
I’ve been on the lookout for brands that go the extra mile too. Recently stumbled upon Biofa, they claim to use renewable energy in their production process. That’s something, right? But yeah, the packaging is still mostly plastic. It’s like, we’re solving one problem but creating another.
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Interesting points about packaging and production energy. I’ve been using Aglaia paints, and while they’re great, I hadn’t thought much about their packaging until now. It’s mostly standard, nothing special. Makes me think, maybe we should be pushing these companies to do better, not just with the paint but the whole package.
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I think the key here is transparency. If these companies are truly eco-friendly, they should be open about their entire process, from sourcing to packaging. I’ve seen some brands start to do this, but it’s still not the norm. It’s frustrating because as consumers, we want to make the best choices, but it’s hard when we don’t have all the information.
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Yeah, the whole packaging thing is a bit of a downer. I’ve been experimenting with making my own paints from natural pigments and binders. It’s a bit of a hassle, but at least I know exactly what’s in it and can reuse containers. Not for everyone, but it’s an option if you’re up for a bit of DIY.
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It’s a tricky balance, isn’t it? On one hand, we want eco-friendly paints, but on the other, we have to consider the entire lifecycle of the product. I’ve been looking into Livos paints, which seem to have a good balance of natural ingredients and sustainable practices. But like others have said, the packaging could be better. Maybe it’s time for the industry to rethink packaging standards altogether.
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I’ve been curious about the same thing with Earthborn’s Claypaint. From what I’ve gathered, they do try to source materials as locally as possible to cut down on transportation emissions. But, like you, I wonder about the overall impact. Maybe we should look into how they process these materials too. It’s not just about where it comes from but how it’s made.
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That’s a good point about the carbon footprint. I switched to natural paints a while back, thinking it was the greener choice. But now I’m questioning if I’m just trading one problem for another. Does anyone know if there’s a certification or something that looks at the whole lifecycle of these products?
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I think you’re onto something with the lifecycle analysis. It’s easy to get caught up in the ‘natural’ label without considering the full picture. I’ve heard some brands are starting to offer more transparency about their supply chains and production processes. Maybe we should start a thread comparing what different brands disclose?
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I’ve been using Auro paints and they seem pretty upfront about their processes. They talk a lot about using renewable energy and minimizing waste. But I haven’t seen much about the sourcing of their raw materials. It’s a complex issue, for sure. Maybe we need to push these companies for more detailed info.
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It’s interesting how we all started using natural paints for environmental reasons but now we’re questioning their impact. I guess it’s a reminder that ‘natural’ doesn’t automatically mean better. I’d love to see a comparison of the energy use in producing natural vs. conventional paints. That could be eye-opening.
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