Kitchen and bathroom renovations are always giving me mixed feelings. I’m happy when my clients get a fresh, functional, and clean space. On the other hand, after every such renovation in my mind’s eye I can already see the mountains of debris where, eventually, the newly installed materials end their life after the owner decides that they can no longer serve their purpose.

The most popular hard surface material is natural stone: granite, marble, limestone, travertine, soapstone, you name it. Almost all of them are imported from remote locations. Because of this, they have increased levels of embedded energy (embedded or embodied energy is energy required to extract raw materials, manufacture the product, and supply it to the point of use), meaning that there is a significant amount of carbon dioxide emitted not only during the manufacturing process, but also while getting those products into our homes.

There are multiple alternatives to natural stone in kitchen and bath design: ceramic, glass, concrete, metal, solid surface, and many more. Recently I researched a hard surface material that I find particularly interesting, not only because the versatility of the design, but also because its content is up to 70% recycled, and the majority of the materials used are sourced within 500 miles of the manufacturing location. This recycled glass and concrete composite material is called EcoX, and it is manufactured by Meld USA in Raleigh, North Carolina.

EcoX is manufactured in slabs as well as tile. Its surface can be lightly polished to get a smooth finish or honed to reveal colorful recycled materials embedded in the concrete. The tiles are available pre-sealed with a low VOC penetrating sealer, and can be used in indoor and outdoor applications. Additionaly, EcoX can be used for table tops, wall panels, backsplashes, bathtub and shower surrounds, sinks, bathtubs, furniture, and accessories.

EcoX can qualify for LEED credits in Materials & Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality categories.
The manufacturer calls this product “an eco-sensitive concrete with personality”, and I must say that I totally agree!

Everyone is talking about VOCs and non-toxic paints, but what exactly does it mean? How can you be sure that your next paint project will be safe and healthy for  you and other inhabitants of the space you’ve just made pretty?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature , causing (according to the EPA) headaches, nausea, allergic skin reaction, upper respiratory irritation, and even organ damage and cancer. Paints, stains and varnishes release low level toxic emissions into the air well after paint is dry. The levels of VOCs in indoor air average 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors.

When shopping for paint, it makes sense to choose the type containing low levels or no VOCs at all. Even though many paint manufacturers offer low VOC (maximum 50 g/l) or zero VOC (less than 5 g/l) products, the choice between paint performance, price point, and green aspect is rather tough. The adding of pigment to the paint base at the paint store can add 2-5 g/l of VOC. Lowering VOC levels can affect other “green” aspects of paint, like coverage and addition of other synthetic materials for flow control and settling.

Fortunately, there are some fail-safe options for buying low VOC paints. One of them is to go with the larger paint company. Benjamin Moore, Dunn-Edwards, and Sherwin Williams all have low or zero VOC type paint lines. At Bozena Studio, we usually recommend Benjamin Moore Aura paint (great coverage, low VOC) and Natura (zero VOC – according to manufacturer remains zero VOC even after tinting, which means it’s virtually odorless regardless of color).

You can also use more expensive and less readily available non-toxic or natural paints, mostly manufactured by alternative paint companies. Their ingredients are all natural and include among others plant oils and dyes, natural minerals, milk protein, etc. Some manufacturers include Bio Shield, Livos, FreshAire, Yolo Colorhouse, and many more. The bottom line: look for the paint cans that display the Green Seal mark (it certifies that they meet at least the GS-11 Standard for Low VOC content).

Here are some additional suggestions to minimize exposure to VOCs in paints: provide good ventilation during and right after painting, buy paint with a great coverage to bring the number of coats to a minimum, use the right equipment (don’t forget the mask), read labels, and take special care of children and pets.