Interior Decorating
Pine Street Natural Interiors
This is the interior design website of my friend Rowena, who I have known for years. She knows absolutely everything about toxics in interior design products and carries only the most natural, organic and pure. “We strive to create beautiful, colorful, and environmentally friendly living spaces using healthy materials that are also socially responsible.” She carries furniture, beds and bedding, area rugs and carpeting, window coverings, upholstery fabrics, accents, lighting, outdoor furniture and accessories, nursery and children’s bedrooms and playroom, and beds and toys for pets. Also home office and storage.
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Listen to my interviews with Rowena Finegan, BBEC, Managing Partner and Interior Designer of Pine Street Natural Interiors |
GDC/Building For Health
The global leader of healthy home material supply, specializing in interior finishes and furnishings such as AFM Safecoat Paints and others,, toxin-free flooring, custom air purification systems and solutions, and other nontoxic building products. Healthy building expert Andrew Pace has over 25 years experience in the education of home health and human wellness. With over 20,000 satisfied clients all over the world, Andrew has a keen awareness of the issues relating to chemical sensitivity, green building, mold remediation and toxicity reduction.
Organic Weave
“The World’s Only Certified Organic Rug Company.” Artisan-made wall-to-wall ”broadloom” and area rugs made from certified organic cotton, silk and wool with chemical-free plant-based dyes in a certified organic facility. Also children’s rugs and custom designs. “No odor/offgassing…Organic Weave aims for transparency in everything that we do.” Understands MCS needs. USE coupon code DEBRA5 for a 5% discount.
Breathe Easy Cabinetry
“Cabinetry of the highest quality that is as beautiful on the outside as it is healthy on the inside…constructed of non-toxic, environmentally friendly products, including sustainably harvested wood, formaldehyde-free plywood boxes and non-toxic glues and finishes.” Read materials details here.
Medley
Custom sofas built with your choice of materials—made in 4 weeks in Los Angeles. “None of our fabrics have fire retardants or stain finishes and we even offer 100% natural like cotton, hemp and wool, and some certified organic textiles as well..” This is a morph of the custom sofas that used to be at Viesso, by the original founders. “Realizing there is still so much more to do to disrupt the furniture industry, we knew it was time to break off our collection as its own brand.” Like Viesso, Medley lets you customize every aspect of your sofa, which gives you a lot of choice and requires that you make good choices. Standard materials are better than average but not really toxic-free, so skip those and go for the natural latex, organic cottons, They will send samples, and let you live with the finished sofa for 100 days. Free shipping (both ways if you return it). And they finance.
Pine Street Natural Interiors
This is the interior design website of my friend Rowena, who I have known for years. She knows absolutely everything about toxics in interior design products and carries only the most natural, organic and pure. “We strive to create beautiful, colorful, and environmentally friendly living spaces using healthy materials that are also socially responsible.” She carries furniture, beds and bedding, area rugs and carpeting, window coverings, upholstery fabrics, accents, lighting, outdoor furniture and accessories, nursery and children’s bedrooms and playroom, and beds and toys for pets. Also home office and storage.
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Listen to my interviews with Rowena Finegan, BBEC, Managing Partner and Interior Designer of Pine Street Natural Interiors |
WOCA Woodcare
Quality wood care products from Denmark. “We carry everything you need for all of your wood floor finishing needs, repair, and maintenance. Our website contains all of the information you need for wood floor finishing, furniture restoration, or to maintain your floors to a beautiful shine. All of our Finishing Oils are VOC free, plant based and non-polluting. They are a safe and environmentally friendly solution for wood stains, wood preservatives, and wood protection. WOCA Oil Finish is the leading plant-based, environmentally responsible, sustainable, nonpolluting, durable wood finish, with no artificial color pigments or preservatives.”
Terralite
Candles made from organic coconut oil and rice bran wax, scented with “organic, wildcrafted, pure essential oils and extracts from plants that were grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers…Our hemp wicks contain absolutely no lead, are not chemically treated, and are braided with pure unbleached cotton.” All candles are white and come in many of the standard sizes. Choose from the scented “aromatherapy” collection or unscented “rice bran” collection.
Wood Cabinets for Less
I found this website while looking for quick delivery for a client on solid wood cabinets. I was surprised and very pleased at the very low price. Like a whole kitchen of cabinets for $3000. At the top end you can get solid wood cabinets with solid doors and sides, but they cost even less if you get cabinet grade plywood for the sides. You can even order them unfinished. Choose your style and wood and finish. Staff is very knowledgeable and will help you find what you are looking for from their selection. Look here first for kitchen and bath cabinets.
Unfinished Furniture Expo
Unfinished furniture in more styles than I usually see on unfinished furniture websites. Check this site to find something different. Search by type of furniture and also by style. “At Unfinished Furniture Expo, you can find an assortment of furniture pieces, all made with a variety of wood. The pieces include tables, table pedestals, table tops, chairs, dining tables, coffee tables, kitchen furniture, beds, headboards, entertainment centers, desks, bookcases, bookshelves, and even chairs and tables for children. These pieces can be found in alder, birch, pine, parawood, and oak. We offer all of our pieces as discounted unfinished furniture, inclusive of free shipping on orders over $39.”
Fabricadabra
This is basically a pillow website, but they also sell fabric by the yard, throws and bedcovers, pillow inserts, and floor cushions. “…made only from natural, non-toxic fabrics. Globally inspired throw pillows include ikats, suzanis, wax prints, organic cotton, vintage, batiks, indigo cloth and tie-dyes. The fabrics are woven only from natural, non-toxic fibers, using mostly ancient techniques and low impact dyes. A story, a person and a culture are behind every fiber. Most decorative pillow cover fabrics are woven on handlooms and the artisans are paid fair wages for their skills. Decorative pillow inserts are made with kapok fiber filling and organic cotton shells. Kapok fiber is natural, organic, pesticide free, non-allergenic, mold and mildew resistant, lightweight, odorless, silky, sustainable, washable and non-toxic. All inserts are made in the U.S.A.” And I have to mention colorful vintage sari parasols that are a must if you live in a sunny climate. This site is ALL about natural fiber fabrics and doing creative things with them.
KD Frames
Unfinished platform beds and futon sofa frames crafted from Tulip Poplar. “All of our frames are made of kiln dried Tulip Poplar hardwood grown in responsibly managed Virginia forests. We do not apply chemicals of any kind in our factory, and the wood is smooth, sanded, and unfinished. KD Frames has been in business since 1987.” I saw one of these frame in a local store and it was very solid and had excellent craftsmanship.
Bedworks of Maine
Beds, bedroom, and convertible futon sofa frames made in Maine. “Classic lines, solid construction and gorgeous finishes are the hallmarks of the furniture we make at The BedWorks of Maine. All of our bedroom pieces and bed frames, both traditional and platform bed, as well as our futon frames are crafted out of North American ash, a sustainable and renewable hardwood.” Can be ordered unfinished.
Green Building Supply
Natural and nontoxic building materials sold by a knowledgeable staff with almost two decades of experience. All products meet the following criteria: 1) Non-toxic and safe 2) Renewable, recycled, or upcycled 3) Energy efficient and Energy Star compliant 4) Meet or exceed US or European environmental standards 5) Good reputation in the industry 6) Personally tested by our company. Descriptions are exceptional, there are MSDS sheets on the contents of most products, and guidelines.
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Listen to my interview with Joel Hirshberg, Co-founder and President of Green Building Supply |
Behr Premium Plus Paint
I first heard of this paint a about 18 months ago, when a reader called for a consultation because her contractor wanted to use this paint. It’s zero VOC and self-priming so I told her to go ahead. When she called me for another consultation, she thanked me profusely for recommending this paint. She said, “It has NO ODOR!” I’ve known this woman for years and she is pretty chemically sensitive.And, she said, they did really well at matching colors when you bring in an object for color matching. She was totally happy with this paint. As I write this, it’s now $23/gallon at Home Depot.
Furniture in the Raw
All wood furniture for every room in your home. “We offer customers finished, unfinished, and custom finished all wood furniture. We only sell furniture made with real wood that is particle board free.”
GoodLight Natural Candles
Clean-burning palm oil candles, unscented and scented candles. Throughout the site, these candlemakers have a lot of information about toxic exposures to candles and their decision to make candles out of sustainable palm oil. They have an mission to replace toxic candles in public places (like churches and restaurants) with clean-burning candles, as well has offering a wide variety of palm oil candles in many shapes and sizes for home use. I tried these candles and they burn extremely well. The unscented candles do not have a scent.
Organic Candle Company
Aromatherapy and unscented candles made using only certified organic palm oil, organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic essential oils, and organic cotton wicks. “Each candle is handmade and our 100% cotton wicks are braided in our facility as well.”
Modify Furniture
Simple, modern, and colorful, this furniture is designed to change as your needs change. You pick your frame style and color then front and back panel colors, and accessories, At any time you can change your colored panels for new colors! Made from rapidly renewable bamboo, recycled content aluminum, organic powder coating and low VOC finishes.
Kalon Studios
Simple sustainable furniture made from domestic hardwoods, organic cotton and wool, latex from organic trees, and other natural and nontoxic materials. “Based in Los Angeles, California and in Germany, Kalon Studios is a design studio focused on contemporary form with a particular aesthetic of simple, subtle and unobtrusive beauty. Kalon Studios’ design focus is as much on quality of design as it is on material, method and process. All of our products are non-toxic, fully sustainable, and domestically produced respectively in the in the US and in Europe. Each piece is handcrafted to order by traditional furniture makers. The ancient Greek concept of ‘kalon’ meant beauty linked with moral worth and usefulness, a value we seek to express in our designs.” Oh,, I love this! “Materials + Methods” is the first item on the main menu.
Millstores
Ready-to-finish wood furniture for every room in your home, made from a number of different types of wood.
Portola Paints & Glazes
Handcrafted Zero-VOC paints (acrylic base). made in small batches and blended by hand. “Jamie and Casey Davis, co-founders and owners, were born and raised in Los Angeles to a family of artists. Mentored by their father, a high-end custom home builder, Jamie and Casey inherited a deeply rooted love for design and color…Because every paint color provides an opportunity to tell a story and transform a space, the brothers take both time and pride in creating customized palettes that reflect a client’s unique personality. Their extensive variety of paints and specialty finishes are all made locally and in small batches at their L.A. headquarters. Using their knowledge of pigment and saturation, and an ability to match all of their paints by eye, they design full spectrum colors that reflect a broader range of light and coordinate in subtle, yet powerful ways, to any environment…Portola products are high quality, eco friendly & affordable. We are also a family owned and operated small business, and source everything locally.”
Stick Candles
Unique handmade 100% beeswax candles—cast from sticks, twigs and branches. “We pour our candles one at a time. Originally made as a gift for mom…”The Candles that we are now able to cast, from shapes that we gather, strike me as beautiful and fascinating…when someone tells me about their experience with a candle that I made…It doesn’t point to me. It points to the shape of that cutting. Beauty in Nature.Wow : What Could Be Better Than That ?”
Southern Scent Candle Co.
I found this candle company at a local street fair. “All natural soy candles at a price that everyone can enjoy.” All organic 100% soy bean wax, cedar wooden wicks, and organic essential oils for “a fully organic product…Due to the nature of the soy and wood these candles will have a low flame, a more delicate fragrance, and create more of a nightlight effect than the full flame produced by the petroleum and sting of traditional candles.”
Pom Pom at Home
Very elegant Belgian linens for bed, bath, table, and windows. Linen pieces are embroidered, appliquéd, tucked, fringed, and much more for stunning effects.
Vermont Farm Table
Beautiful solid wood tops for tables, countertops, stools, and anything else you can think of, made by the square inch. Any species, size, shape and quantity. “We build with the best quality New American Hardwoods including Cherry, Maple and Walnut, and can source a wide variety of other options…We also specialize in Reclaimed Woods, including Pine, Oak, Heart Pine and Chestnut, which can be sourced from places like old barns, silos, train stations…We believe in taking the natural route whenever possible. We use a natural oil and wax blend finish on our tables, applied in multiple coats until it saturates the wood, creating a finish that is water and stain resistant. This approach lets the natural beauty of the wood shine through, while creating a finish that is easy to care for over time. ”
Weber Company
Custom solid wood cabinets and furniture, handcrafted in Lodi, California. Your choice of wood, can order unfinished and apply your own nontoxic paint or finish. They can make any style to your specifications.
Tried & True Wood Finishes
This wood finish is now being used on many wood products that choose to eliminate toxic exposures. “Made from all-natural renwable ingredients that do not contain solvents, toxins, or heavy metal dryers. Safe for food and skin contact…made from sustainable agricultural resources. Linseed oil is a plant derived material, pressed from the seeds of the flax plant. The beeswax used in Original Wood Finish is a by-product of honey production, and varnish resin used in Varnish Oil (hardened tree sap) is a natural forest product…After the impurities are removed, the linseed oils we use are polymerized or “aged”, this means they have enhanced drying properties. No petroleum distillates, or other solvents, or their derivatives are added. No heavy metal driers are used. The methods we employ are adapted from 18th to early 20th century finish making. We combine quality control, current technology and traditional formulations to enhance the properties of the natural ingredients used in Tried & True…All Tried & True wood finishes comply with the product safety standards established by the FDA: “safe for food contact surfaces” (FDA 21, Sec 175.300). Beeswax and natural varnish resin are FDA approved as non-allergic and non-hazardous. Our products, or any of its ingredients, are not regulated under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (Title 40) or the EPA Resource and Recovery Act (Title 49).”
Unfinished Furniture Giant
“America’s Favorite Custom Unfinished Furniture Expert! NO particle board, simulated wood grain vinyls or other shortcuts are used in crafting our furniture. Our real wood furniture is made out of premium North American cherry, maple and oak. Our construction details include solid wood face frames, solid wood drawers and posts, dovetail drawer joints, metal glides, real wood tops and concealed adjustable hinges on doors. Individually made by Pennsylvania craftsmen. Most of our products are available in four species of wood: PINE, MAPLE , OAK and Cherry . We offer almost endless combinations and options to create thousands of designs in many different styles: SHAKER, MISSION, TRADITIONAL, COLONIAL, CONTEMPORARY and COUNTRY.”
Abigail’s Studio
Abigail makes candles out of beeswax—“A renewable resource,” she says, “As long as there are bees around us.” And so her mission is to save the bees. “How does burning beeswax candles have anything do with restoring bee populations all over the world? Well, if all the people who love burning candles switched to burning beeswax candles the demand for beeswax would dramatically increase. Wax would not be just a byproduct of honey production, but a major source of income for bee keepers. This economic benefit would stimulate the need for bees, which are the only natural source of wax. Beeswax candles are made from a natural renewable and sustainable resource that supports the cultivation of the honey bee.” Makes sense to me.
Erik Organic
Hardwood furniture, individually handcrafted with love by woodworking artisans, in beautiful modern designs. Choose from furniture for dining room, living room, office, and bedroom…even handcrafted office chairs. All can be customized to your needs. They use my favorite Tite Bond glue and a low-VOC finish is available by request “for people with MCS”.
Dapwood Furniture
Handcrafted solid wood platform beds and bedroom furniture made from walnut, cherry, hard maple and oak, plant-based natural stains, and nontoxic finishes (also available unfinished “for MCS”). These bed frames can be customized for height and length, mix woods and finishes for style, add wheels or casters, and reclining headboard option. Styles range from simple to…well, whatever you want! This is beautiful furniture.
Maine Made Bedrooms
Bed frames and bedroom furniture in classic styles, made from American ash, with water-based finish or unfinished. The only other material used is a water-based nontoxic glue. NOTE: Only their Maine Made Bedrooms line is nontoxic. They also sell other brands.
Green Building Supply
This site sells ONLY flooring that is non-toxic and safe for the environment. All are made with no added urea formaldehyde in the adhesives and zero VOCs in the finishes. Most have third party certification and comply with European standards and exceed CARB2. In addition, all (except the wool) are made from sustainably harvested forests, many are FSC certified and most contain recycled content or come from reclaimed sources. Choices include hardwood, bamboo, cork, natural linoleum (Marmoleum), wool carpet, underlayment, moldings, tools and accessories. All have been personally tested by the company and used by many with MCS for the past 25 years.
Green Building Supply
Paints and coatings that “contain no toxic ingredients, produce no indoor or outdoor air pollution and perform as well or better than their toxic counterparts.” This comprehensive selection of products has everything you need to paint or finish anything, including paints and primers, plasters and pigments, grouts and grout sealers, odor blocking sealers, wood stains and sealers, strippers and thinners, caulks, sealants, adhesives, and more. All personally tested by the company and used by many with MCS.
LinenStudioRG
Oeko-Tex certified undyed natural linen from Belgium, France and Ireland, custom-made into pure linen duvet covers, sheets, pillows, bed skirts, drapes, roman shades, tablecloths, throw blankets and towels. “We began our linen business 15 years ago. We traveled not just to trade fairs but to small independent producers to find traditional durable linen fabrics that will last a long time and possibly be pasted on to future generations as they once were a long time ago…The fabric we cut and sew is OEKO-TEX certified; it passed the tests for conformity to ecological requirements of standard Oeko-Tex Standart 100. This linen does not contain any harmful substances and it is absolutely healthy for you.”
Earthpaint
Created by a professional painter who was poisoned by the paints and wood finishes he was told were safe, Earthpaint has a deep commitment to making safe paints and finishes. “Our biodegradable paint and wood finish contain non-toxic and natural ingredients derived from plants, vegetables, trees, minerals and elements. Nearly all of these finishing components are gathered locally (within a day’s drive of Asheville, NC) and are domestically produced and harvested… Earthpaint will not poison the earth for profit and that is our promise. You get long lasting finishes without the poison. Locally sourced and manufactured our finishes have the lowest ecological footprint possible. We demand long life cycle and sustainability, from manufacture to landfill. Most of our products can be grown back, forever! We do not use vinyl, mineral spirits or any other toxic petrochemical. ”
Big Dipper Wax Works
Lovely beeswax candles in many colors and shapes, handmade in small batches. “Most of the beeswax we use is collected from Northwest beekeepers, including British Columbia. The crops in this region rank lowest in exposure to pesticides in North America and is the highest quality beeswax available. Our colored beeswax candles are dyed with eco-friendly dyes that do not contain hazardous solvents or additives such as naphtha or naphthalene. All of our wicks are made of 100% cotton and have been primed with beeswax, not paraffin, which many other candle companies (even beeswax candle companies) use. All of our aromatherapy candles are scented with pure essential oils extracted through heat steam distillation or cold-press methods, which are the most natural ways to extract oil from plants.” Also beeswax blocks and bars and all natural body care products made with beeswax.
Vermont Woods Studios
What a great place for furniture! Well-made, solid wood from USA forests, nontoxic finishes and you can customize the style to whatever you want. And free shipping! “High end, handcrafted, quality wood furniture that’s made to order just for you. We work with Vermont’s independent fine furniture makers to deliver top quality, real solid wood dining, home office, living room and bedroom furniture to your home. All of our hardwood furniture is built to order in New England—each piece is handmade in natural solid cherry, maple, oak, or walnut.”
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Listen to my interview with Peggy Farabaugh, Owner and Operator of Vermont Woods Studios |
Peterboro Basket Co.
Handcrafted furniture-quality baskets for every room in your home, made from Appalachian White Ash. This is the same hardwood used to make baseball bats, snowshoes and axe handles. The wood is harvested from Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. Solid brass nails and brass coated hardware. “Our baskets are made to last…All of our baskets are made on site at our factory in Peterborough, NH. We are the oldest basket manufacturing company still crafting our baskets right here in the United States” Baskets come with a finish, but you can choose “natural finish,” which is just plain, unfinished wood.
Organic and Healthy
Family-tested solid wood bedroom furniture, organic futons, and affordable chemical-free sofas made from sustainably harvested wood with a low VOC finish or unfinished. Selections include maple beds and casegoods (dressers, night stands, wardrobes, bookshelves, desks, etc.) from Pacific Rim; ash beds and casegoods from Bedworks of Maine; futon sofas combining Bedworks of Maine ash/maple frames with Soaring Heart all-organic futons; and wood-frame modular sofas and tables from Carolina Morning. Cover fabrics are organic cotton; futons and cushions are filled with kapok, organic cotton, wool and/or latex. No fire retardant or stain-proofing chemicals applied. Also organic mattresses, a full assortment of organic bedding, chemical-free wool carpet and area rugs, air and water purifiers, and more. “We bring you non-toxic, eco-friendly products that we have researched for use in our own home to help you create a cleaner indoor environment for you and your loved ones.”
Organic and Healthy
The most non-toxic carpeting and area rugs on the market, made from 100% natural materials: Earth Weave’s Bio-Floor Collection and Nature’s Carpet “Dark Green” line. Also 100% natural wool carpet padding and 100% natural rubber rug grippers. “Wool carpeting is wonderful because the scales on wool fibers hold onto dirt until it is vacuumed away, which helps the carpet and your home stay cleaner. And these fibers absorb airborne pollutants, so wool carpeting can actually help clean the air in your home!” Plus wool carpet typically lasts 2 to 3 times as long as synthetics. “We bring you non-toxic products that we have researched for use in our own home to protect our family, in hopes of helping you create a cleaner indoor environment for you and your loved ones.”
Rough Linen
Gorgeous handsewn 100% bedlinens made from four different weights of linen. Plus linen curtains, tableware, and some small things like little sachet bags. “I found this homespun, hand sewn linen pillow slip while I was clearing my grandmother’s cottage in Scotland. It was made by her great-grandmother, in 1840, and was in regular use for three generations. When it came to me I used it to store lavender. Years later, by good fortune, I found a natural linen with the same wonderful texture and feel, and I decided to make bedding in this simple, elemental tradition. I wanted the feeling of connection, appreciation of good materials and handiwork which is part of my heritage, as part of my everyday life . I hope you love it as I do. With care, it should last a hundred years.”
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Listen to my interview with Rough Linen Founder Tricia Rose. |
Ecos Paints
This is the USA site for a line of water-based organic paints and varnishes, developed in the UK by a man with MCS.” At ECOS Paints, we created paints, varnishes, and other finishes that genuinely contain zero VOCs. Made in sunny Spartanburg, South Carolina, we are the world’s best selling water based, VOC Free paint. Harmful Solvent-free, Glycol-free, Eco-friendly, Allergy-safe finishes. Totally free of all pesticides, herbicides and toxins….Safe for Allergy, Asthma, Chemical Sensitivities.” Ecos Paints have been used at The Louvre, Westminster Abbey, The Googleplex, The Houses of Parliament in London, and in other famous buildings. They also have paints that actually purify the air by removing VOCs, formaldehyde, and paint fumes, and shields radiation.
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Listen to my interview with Imperial Paints CEO Julian Crawford. |
Benjamin Moore Paints
Benjamin Moore paints are easy to find locally if you need a low- or no-VOC paint today and can’t wait to order a specialty paint online. I’ve used their Eco Spec WB and Aura paints in my own home; Natura is another good choice that is zero VOC. Search for these paints on their website for more information on each, or visit your local Benjamin Moore store. ” Eco Spec WB meets the highest environmental requirements including LEED credit.”
Unearthed Paints
“Purely natural wall paints, plaster, and wood finishes,” made with the highest quality, minimally processed ingredients such as clay, marble, and chalk. Following recipes that have been successfully used by people throughout the world for thousands of years, these coatings are 100% free of VOCs and other petrochemical ingredients, and instead are made with fully-disclosed, natural ingredients. They carry six types of paint, which can be used to paint any interior room. “Natural paint relies on the inherent qualities of natural ingredients that can be used as binders (such as casein, a protein glue), fillers (such as marble, which provides opacity and whiteness), and pigments (such as earth pigments that derive natural color from their mineral content). A variety of different unique natural paint types exist, and include clay paint, milk paint, and lime paint. Most natural paints, including the entire line of paints by Unearthed Paints, are 100% zero-VOC and safe to use while pregnant.”
Natural Furniture
A large selection of real wood furniture, made in the USA to last for generations. This “ready-to-finish furniture is available in a wide cariety of hardwoods, each with its own distinctive grain patterns and colorations.” Use the nontoxic finish of your choice. They have hundreds of pieces for every room in your home, made from many types of wood.
Green Planet Paints
A gorgeous palette of colors made from natural mineral and clay pigments, in a plant-based (soy), zero-VOC paint. “Green Planet Paints was conceived in 1993, when Meredith Aronson, materials scientist and expert in clays and historic pigments, moved to Patagonia, Arizona. Surrounded by the blazing ochres of canyon walls, the electric greens of waterfall mosses, the shifting silvers of high-desert grasses and the multicolored hues of migrating birds, she was inspired to create a paint that not only reflected the beauty around her, but respected it. Combining her expertise in materials science with her knowledge of ancient pigment technologies, she began formulating a new kind of paint founded on three principles: beauty, performance, and sustainability. With the birth of her son in 2000, Meredith realized that her paint not only had to be beautiful, sustainable and durable, it had to be safe as well–with no exceptions. She began to experiment with simple, natural recipes for milk paints and clay paints, guided by her friends Bill and Athena Steen, renowned innovators in natural construction. Over time, she reformulated these simple paints to improve their performance and manufacturability. She incorporated her knowledge of Mayan Blue pigment technology to create stunning blues, and soon had a rich palette of colors inspired by the natural landscape around her.”
The Shade Store
Custom window treatments since 1946—now made with natural and sustainable materials, including cotton, linen, hemp, silks, wool, paper, wood, and more. “Our experts can help you create attractive window coverings that reduce heating and cooling costs, darken rooms and protect furnishings from the sun’s rays.” Choose from blinds, window shades, curtains and drapery “Free samples help you create affordable custom window treatments for every room in your house…We offer more than 200 varieties of window treatments made from eco-friendly, sustainable materials, including bamboo shades and wood blinds. Every window treatment is custom made in our US workrooms, and hung & tested before it is shipped to you.” What a selection! Lots of colors and fabrics to choose from.
Rubio Monocoat
A completely different type of wood finish…a VOC-free oil for floors and furniture that colors and protects in one layer. You can apply it to all types of wood. Water and heat resistant (think radiant flooring). Adheres with the wood through molecular bonding, so there are no marks where application overlaps. Damaged areas or scratches are easy to repair because any exposed new wood will absorb the oil and look the same as the original. “allows an intense and deep colouring in one single layer, without influencing the natural look and feel of the wood.”
EcoBalanza
“Modern artisan furniture” made with nontoxic and earthwise materials: certified fabrics, organic cotton and wool, durable hemp, FSC-certified wood, natural latex, hand-tied recycled steel coils, and water-based no-VOC adhesives. They make “premium quality, natural, hand-crafted, stylish, and comfortable upholstered furniture manufactured in an environmentally conscious manner with materials sourced from local suppliers whenever possible. Ecobalanza independently manages all aspects: from design to material sourcing to manufacture, to ensure the quality and integrity of every piece our artisans create.” Choose from a variety of styles and fabrics or ask them to make your own custom design.
Pacific Rim Woodworking
Heirloom quality bedroom furniture using traditional construction methods such as mortise and tenon and dovetail. “Since 1981, Pacific Rim Woodworking has offered hand-crafted, solid maple furniture at affordable prices. We use Western Maple grown in managed forests in Washington and Oregon. To highlight the natural beauty of this distinctive hardwood, we hand-rub each piece with our own finish. Enduring quality and simple elegance are the hallmarks of our contemporary American style.”
Carolina Morning
Natural, affordable, adjustable furniture designed to support your body. The innovative Eco Backrest™ adjusts to six positions and can be placed on a bed or directly on the floor for a truly comfortable chair. It can also be used as a laptop workstation. The modular couch (stuffed with organic kapok/wool) doubles as a guest bed, a simple desk chair made of all natural materials, and more. Lots of pieces that can be put together in various ways, all designed to support your body.
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Listen to my interview with Patrick Clark from Carolina Morning. |
Olympic Premium Zero VOC Paint
An affordable, zero-VOC paint now sold at Lowe’s. I bought a gallon of semi-gloss to paint some trim and hired a painter. When I walked in the room, I said, “Have you been painting with this paint?” I could smell nothing. Comes in flat, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell…even exterior paint. 1200+ colors. Looks great. Individual results may vary.
SoftTiles
These interlocking soft foam mats are a perfect for any room that needs a soft floor (think child's room, workout area). They are comfortable to stand on and protects falling babies and kids from injury. Made from nontoxic EVA foam, tested to be free of formaldehyde, BPA, phthalates. Contains no latex or fire retardants. Completely waterproof. Comes in 1 and 2 foot square and two thicknesses. Every color of the rainbow, plus wood grain, flower insets, and letters so you can spell your child's name. Let your imagination run wild! Only $1.45 a square foot. Free samples. [Note, I ordered some samples, and when they arrived, they did have a slight odor. I spoke with the owner and he said the odor dissipates within a week, when you open the box and spread the tiles around. It's not a toxic exposure, just an odor that some people may not tolerate.]
Nature’s Carpet
Carpet "made from all natural, biodegradable high quality wool, natural jute backings and natural bonding agents utilizing renewable resources. The wool fibre was obtained from sheep raised in isolated organically fertilized fields. Complete absence of chemicals at every stage of manufacture." Lab-tested for health effects by Anderson Laboratories and found safe for individuals with multiple chemical sensitivities. "Nature's carpet provides a surface so pure and chemical-free one can literally sleep on it and be worry-free!" Manfactured by Colin Campbell & Sons.
Diane’s Honey and Beeswax Candles
Solid, natural-color beeswax candles–tapers, round and square pillars, votives, tea lights, and molded ornamental candles. Also beeswax blocks for dipping your own. "We are a couple that keep honey bees in Central Indiana. My wife makes the candles ( shooing me out of the way ) and I take care of the hives… We want to assure you there is only 100% beeswax in the candles (Diane likes to say pure beeswax and a wick.)… Our wicks have no metal. Please take a look at Diane's candles. She spends a great deal of time making them just right."
Zinsser Bull’s Eye Shellac
This wood finish is composed of a natural resin secreted by the tiny lac insect. After laying its eggs on certain trees in India and Thailand, and ingesting the sap of those trees, the lac secretes the digested tree sap to cover it's swarm of eggs. Upon contact with air, the secretion forms into a hard shell, thus the name. It's literally the shell of the lac insect. After the young insects are born, the remaining shell is harvested to make shellac. It is soaked in water and dried in the sun. It is then dissolved into ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and methyl isobutyl ketone. Once it is applied and the volatile solvents evaporate, what is left is the natural shell, just as it is produced by the insect. Shellac gives a natural protective coating to wood, can block odors (can be used to seal formaldehyde odors from particleboard), and can be tinted. Shellac is UV resistant and will not yellow or darken with age. Dry shellac is so safe, it is certified by the Food and Drug Administration as a protective glaze for candy and pharmaceuticals. Read their detailed brochure "The Story of Shellac" which details the history and manufacturing process. NOTE: While dry shellac is completely natural and nontoxic when dry, in the can it has toxic solvents. Be sure to apply in a well-ventilated area and take appropriate precautions.
Visions Recycling
Low odor, low VOC, remanufactured latex paint coatings made from post-consumer and secondary waste products collected from trusted sources. "Secondary paint includes mis-tints and overstocked supply from factory and store level distributors. Sorted paint is strained and re-blended with virgin materials and additives creating low-cost, post-consumer paint goods that are highly viscous and adherent. All VRI latex paint exceed state and federal specifications and can be rolled on, brushed or sprayed as primer, rough coat or finish surface coatings." Nice earthy colors. Will custom tint, minimum 200 gallons. Will ship to homeowners anywhere in the United State. LEED points approved.
Vermont Natural Coatings
This is currently the wood finish I use. High performance water-based wood finishes made using whey, a by-product of local cheese making. Whey “has a high BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) that can increase the burden on waste treatment facilities and can pollute rivers, lakes, and even the ocean…By reformulating whey into a durable, natural wood finish, a potential waste product is taken out of the waste stream and put to a useful purpose.” The VOC level is about 180g/L (grams per liter), which is lower than California’s 250g/L–the toughest indoor air quality standard in the United States. I smelled a sample and it is remarkably low in odor (though it does still contain small amount of toxic chemicals, according to their MSDS). Once cured, it is very “food-safe”, not toxic if child or pet chews on it. Cans are made with post consumer materials which can be recycled when discarded.
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Listen to my interview with Vermont Natural Coatings Founder and President Andrew Meyer./a> |
Terra Green Ceramics
Recycled glass tiles containing 58 percent recycled material. Solid color field tiles in many colors and sizes, and patterned border tiles.
Sustainable Flooring
A comprehensive line of bamboo and cork flooring products, sold by a unique "green" cooperative venture between a successful manufacturer of bamboo, and cork, respectively. They offer manufacturer-direct access to high quality bamboo and cork flooring products in various shades, with "incredible pricing." Provides samples.
SoySafe
All natural, biodegradable paint stripper made from renewable American-grown soy removes oil-based, water-based and even lead-based paint from any surface.
SoySafe
All natural, biodegradable wood sealer and waterproofer made from renewable American-grown soy. For all wood decks, docks, playground equipment, benches, tables or outdoor furniture. Contains no VOC's.
Soulshine Beeswax Candles
100% beeswax candles and a lot more! All natural-color honeycomb, pillars, tapers, votives, tealights, and novelty shapes (including holiday). Plus tips on how to remove beeswax from clothing and candleholders, recipes for using beeswax, the history of beeswax, and a list of links on the dangers of candles. "Soulshine beeswax candles are created in a peaceful valley of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia. The candles are created in a workshop located adjacent to a tranquil trout stream where every candle is hand-poured or hand-dipped to ensure the highest level of quality."
Solvent Free Paint
50 year paint made with the pressed linseed oil from organic flax seeds. This is what was used 100 years ago before chemical paint. Paint does not crack or peel protects wood from rotting, and comes in colors! Easy to maintain by applying the purified boiled linseed oil every 5-10 years. Also purified linseed oil, Linseed oil wax, linseed oil varnish, linseed oil glazing putty and linseed oil soap.
Sinan Company
Importers of Auro brand paints and finishes, made in Germany from 100% natural ingredients. These paints and finishes are uniquely beautiful as they are made with plant oils and resins and colored with earth pigments.
The Silent Paint Remover
A paint remover system that utilizes infrared heat for removing multiple layers of paint, varnish, silicone, mastic glue etc. No toxic chemicals.
Pheylonian Beeswax Candles
These beeswax candles are quite unique and truly magical. They are made by a couple–Iilah and Tawlia–who learned the family craft of candlemaking from Iilah's grandmother, a Medicine Woman and Elder of her clan. When she escaped persecution in the Ukraine and came to Canada, she brought with her the last remains of wildflower beeswax candles. Today, these candles are still made according to old traditions. "As is still practiced today by the Philoxians, it is customary to melt the remains of the old candles into the new pot of wax, showing honour and respect, at cellular levels, for all that was done by our forefathers to get us to where we are
Old Fashioned Milk Paint
A very special paint, made in small batches using “milk protein, lime, clay, and earth pigments such as ochre, umber, iron oxide, lampblack, etc. The lime is alkaline but becomes totally inert when mixed with the slightly acid milk. We use no lead, no chemical preservatives, no fungicides. Milk paint contains no hydrocarbons or any other petroleum derivatives.” The beautiful colors are historic–as these paints are made using the same methods used hundreds of years ago–and will not fade (pigments can be mixed to make your own custom colors). The original milk paint is formulated for porous wood and masonry; their new Safe Paint is for non-porous surfaces such as previously painted walls and for new sheetrock.
Neil Kelly Cabinets
Beautiful solid wood cabinets made with certified sustainably-harvested woods, formaldehyde-free wheatboard case material, and low VOC finishes. Designs are based on traditional clean, simple lines, using only the materials needed and none to excess. Many options for eco-friendly materials and safe finishes.
Nature’s Hardware
A delightful collection of eco-friendly accessories, coat hooks, handles, knobs, pulls, sinks and tiles made from natural, renewable or recylced material. Materials include bamboo, antler/bone, flowers, glass, granite/marble/onyx, ivory, leather, marble, metal, stone, and wood.
Mole Hollow Candles
Natural-color solid beeswax votives and tapers. Scented and unscented soy wax candles in jars, tins, and votives. Recycled scrap wax and wood are used to make Log Lighters™ (a fool-proof starter for lighting a wood fire in the campsite, woodstove or fireplace) and QuickFire™ (an outdoor-only "instant campfire that burns several hours, even in a torrential downpour, leaving nothing but a small pile of ash").
Minwax Water-Based Wood Finishes
Minwax makes both toxic and nontoxic water-based products, so check labels carefully for their water-based finishes. Sold at hardware and home improvement stores.
Honeystone Candles
An extensive collection of fine art, handcrafted candles and ornaments for all occasions (including holiday), made from pure Oregan beeswax poured into their own unique molds. These are very aesthetic and finely crafted. Many shapes of nature, such as animals and sea shells.
Furnature
“An extensive line of chairs, sofas, loveseats, and ottomans for people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity…Many healthy, ecology conscious individuals are also purchasing our products because they prefer to live in a clean, unpolluted environment.” These are top quality products with classic designs made by a family-owned company with third- and fourth-generation furniture makers. They will even make custom pieces to your design specifications. All pieces are made with 100% organic cotton barrier cloth, frames made from kiln-dried, untreated, hard rock maple, water-based glues, chemical-free wood finishes and organic or non-organic natural fiber upholstery fabrics (pre-washing option to remove fabrics finishes available).
Forbo Linoleum NA
Natural linoleum made from linseed oil, rosins, and wood flour, on a natural jute backing. This tough, yet beautiful, floor covering prevents bacteria from multiplying, reduces the accumulation of dust, and has naturally occuring anti-static properties. Comes in a wide range of natural colors.
Flopping Fish Productions
These metal switchplates are a stylish alternative to plastic. Handmade from copper or stainless, each is etched with an elegant or organic pattern.
Fire Clay Tile
Beautiful glazed terra cotta tiles made from clay and 50% post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials, including granite dust, recycled brown and green glass bottles, and windowpanes. Many of the designs have nature-inspired themes. Click on the "Concepts" button to get a visual overview before exploring over 200 designs.
Earth Weave Carpet Mills
Broadloom and area rugs made from undyed, untreated wool. The wool is held in place by a hemp/cotton “primary”, a natural rubber adhesive, and a secondary backing made of natural jute. The result is a completely nontoxic, renewable and biodegradable carpet with no added chemicals. Carpets are tufted, textured loop construction. Yarns of various natural colors give interesting varigated textures in greys and browns. Carpet pad is wool needled into a cotton backing “We urge our customers to recycle it to the garden where it will safely biodegrade while serving as an effective weed barrier and mulch.
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Listen to my interview with Earth Weave Carpet Mills Founder James Stinnett. |
Earthshade
“Window fashions that are easy on our planet and delightful to the soul. We offer an exotic collection of hand-woven window shades custom crafted in 10 versatile operating styles. These truly natural window shades are made of non-toxic, environmentally sustainable, rapidly renewable reeds, bamboos, grasses, and other natural plant fibers. Primarily gathered in Central and/or South America, these materials are sun-dried and woven into delightful patterns without the use of chemicals, dyes, or other harsh processing. The fabrics are then custom crafted into shades according to your window specifications. All of this is accomplished by a family operated vendor with locations in Mexico and the United States, now with its third generation proudly crafting these exquisite, artisan quality window treatments.”
Country Curtains
Cotton curtains in many styles and colors, with matching fabric yardage. Now at Vermont Country Store.
The Cottage Stillroom & Candle Factory
Solid beeswax tapers made in various sizes and a whole rainbow of colors. Made using the centuries-old French craft of hand-pouring beeswax into tin "tube and funnel" moulds.
The Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Carpets
A list of carpets, adhesives, and carpet cushions that meet indoor air quality standards set by the Institute. These are "low-emitting" carpets, most made from synthetic fibers. If you need to purchase synthetic carpet and that the the only option, these are the least toxic synthetic carpets on the market.
Candtec Candle Systems
These 100% natural beeswax candles are truly unique! The candle itself is long and slender and comes in a coil. Before you burn it, you can pull as much as you want through the specially designed holder to make a candle of your desired length and burn time. Coiled candles come in sizes that will burn from 12 to 100 hours, and refill candles are available.
The Candle Lady
100% beeswax candles in unusual styles–spiral and twisted tapers, solid pillars, and molded candles with beautiful intricate designs. Also bayberry wax tapers (read descriptions carefully as there are also some that are only bayberry scented).
Candle Bee Farm
I had to give this website the gold star after reading their excellent page on "Beeswax Facts." These are beekeepers making candles from their own wax. "Candle Bee Farm only uses beeswax generated here on the farm and from select domestic sources for candle making…We also utilize solar melt methods that release any possible residuals before filtering and candle pouring begins. Ah, the warm, healing energy of the sun! Solar melting the wax vaporizes impurities leaving a pure, clean product." Solar melting! Choose from tapers, pillars, and many novelties, including animal shapes and holiday.
BioShield Paint
Paints, stains, thinners and waxes "made from naturally-derived raw materials including citrus peel extracts, essential oils, seed oils, tree resins, inert mineral fillers, tree and bee waxes, lead-free dryers and natural pigments…. more than 98 percent of these chemicals are naturally derived from plant sources and minerals. Most of the ingredients in BioShield Paints have been used for centuries or more. We choose raw materials that are low in toxic substances, renewable and feature a low environmental footprint." Products include wall paints & finishes, oil primers & thinners, floor & furniture finishes, and color pigments.
Beeswax Candle Works
100% pure beeswax candles made from raw, unbleached & naturally yellow wax with cotton wicks. "The bees wax is made by local honey bees. We do not use imported beeswax." Over 130 different sizes and styles including tapers and pillars, animal and holiday shapes, and three sizes of birthday candles.
Bee Hive Candles
Handmade 100% pure beeswax candles. Natural and limited colors. Pillars, tapers, votives, tealights.
The Beeswax Candle Company
An elegant website, with pictures placing gorgeous 100% filtered beeswax candles in lovely settings. All the candles are hand-poured in a studio located in historic building on the edge of downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. Pillars, tapers, votives, and tealights join unique designs such as double spirals and the “honeylight” tapers–a hollow candle with a fluted edge that makes the candle appear to have a crown of light as it burns.“Our candles are made with 100% pure domestic beeswax and cotton or natural plant fiber wicks. Our beeswax is never bleached, but instead carefully filtered.”
Bedrock Industries
"Crafted entirely from post-industrial and post-consumer glass; we add no additional oxides or colorants. Each tile is handmade from unique combinations of glass that give our tiles their distinctive appearance and subtle color variation….shows how beautiful sustainability can be."
Bear Creek Candle Company
Hand-dipped tapers and poured votives and tins made with “pure unrefined beeswax.” Hand-rolled honeycomb candles made with pure beeswax honeycomb foundation, manufactured for use in beehives as the base upon which the bees build their honeycombs. Beeswax Aromatherapy Candles are scented only with Aromatherapy Grade Pure Essential Oils, “nature’s own, soft and sweet as a walk through a fragrant garden.” 100% cotton wicks.
Armstrong Vinyl Composition Tile
Made from 85% limestone (an abundant natural resource), recycled content and vinyl. It qualifies for LEED green building credits in several categories, including recycled content and low-emitting resilient flooring. These are the least expensive, most readily available nontoxic flooring option, available at mass retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe's. Ask at local stores for styles and colors they can order.
Antique Drapery Rod Company
This company proves recycled can also be beautiful with their gorgeous historic, classical window hardware. They manufacture over 600 types of drapery hardware in recycled wrought iron, reforested carved wood, recyclable cast stone, tortoise shell bamboo (the fastest growing renewable resource on the planet) and a highly polished recycled aluminum.
Anna Sova
Milk paint made "with up to 99% food grade ingredients. Milk casien (as in yogurt), titanium dioxide (as in powdered donuts), food grade emulsifiers and preservatives (as in milkshakes and chocolates…we import our pigments from Germany, now the cutting edge of eco-responsibility in manufacturing." Paint can be custom colormatched to any item or paint colors made by other companies. Cannot be used on walls that will come in direct contact with water (such as kitchens and bathrooms).
American Pride Paints
No-VOC paints are "Green Seal certified, are usually solvent-free (zero VOC), and never contain chemicals that are suspected carcinogens. This means that the indoor air remains free of harmful chemicals and odors thus providing a direct benefit to anyone that comes into contact with the products."
Aloha Bay
Colorful candles made from 100% palm wax–with and without scent. Only pure essential oils are used for the scented candles. Good background information about palm wax.
