Articles

Buyer’s Guide to Stains

September 04, 2009

Green Home Guide Staff

Paint & Coatings

This buyer’s guide summarizes the environmental pros and cons and durability of the three major categories of wood stains: natural oil, acrylic or urethane, and water-based. Use it to find the best... Read more

Selecting healthy and environmentally sound stains

September 04, 2009

Alex Pennock

Paint & Coatings

Paint like a green pro

September 04, 2009

Gabe Luna

Paint & Coatings

Gabe Luna founded green contractor MoonDance Painting in the San Francisco Bay Area after working for one of the largest residential painting companies in California—and finding the massive waste,... Read more

Selecting Healthy and Environmentally Sound Clear Wood Finishes

September 04, 2009

Alex Pennock

Paint & Coatings

Clear finishes protect wood from wear, moisture, and aging, but they can degrade the environment—in your home and elsewhere. This overview provides in-depth comparisons of Lacquer, Natural Oil,... Read more

About VOCs

Green Home Guide Staff

Paint & Coatings

Low- or no-VOC is synonymous with green paints and coatings. According to the EPA, VOCs can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation; headaches; nausea; muscle weakness; and more serious ailments... Read more

Clear Finish Buyer’s Guide

September 04, 2009

Green Home Guide Staff

Paint & Coatings

This buyer’s guide compares and contrasts clear finish materials on their environmental and health qualities, and includes selection tips. Use it to find the best clear coating for your specific... Read more

Buyer’s guide to green floor materials

September 04, 2009

Willem Maas

Flooring

No flooring product has zero impact on our planet, but some materials are better than others. This buyer's guide will help you choose the most environmentally sound and healthy floor that meets your... Read more

Make Floor Refinishing Greener and Safer

September 04, 2009

Victoria Schomer

Flooring

You can avoid exposure to toxic dust and fumes by using a good dust mask that filters out particulates and a respirator that filters out chemical emissions. The National Institute for Occupational... Read more

Navigating the flooring thicket: Find the greenest way to meet your needs

September 03, 2009

Paul Kretkowski

Flooring

8 Tips for Selecting Healthy and Environmentally Sound Flooring

September 03, 2009

Marian Keeler

Flooring

Before shopping, create a chart that lists your desired room function, occupants, cleaning and maintenance concerns, aesthetic requirements, and other priorities. Evaluate each flooring material’s... Read more