We're working on a home expansion. Initially, the plan was to sell our house and move, but we love this neighborhood so much! It's walkable to the train and to shops, bars, and restaurants. That isn't something I was ready to give up, even if we do need more space.

I want to keep this renovation as eco-friendly as possible, and one of the things at the top of my list is using VOC free paint in all of the new spaces. One of the rooms is going to be an eventual nursery (No, mom, I'm not pregnant), so I want this to be a healthy space for our eventual wee one.

Why Zero VOC?

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are toxins emitted by things like paint, and they can refer to any number of harmful chemicals. Cleaning supplies are also common culprits for VOCs in the home. Side effects from exposure to VOCs can range from headaches and nausea to more severe effects like liver and kidney damage.

Yikes! That's not something I want all over the walls in my home, little one or no!

VOC Free Paint

Eco Child's Play did an excellent roundup of VOC free paints back in 2009. Since then, more brands have added zero VOC paints to their lines. Here are a few more options, including the one I'm probably going to use:

• ECOS Organic Paints - This company delivers, which is super handy.
• Olympic Zero VOC paint - This is probably the one we'll be using, because Lowe's carries it, and I can walk to a Lowe's from my house.
• GreenSure - This one's available at Sherwin Williams stores.
• FreshAire - Home Depot carries this zero-VOC paint.

Of course, you want to also make sure you're safely disposing of that paint. Even zero VOC paint isn't safe to pour on the ground or down the drain, since it contains chemicals you don't want getting into the water supply or contaminating the soil. Earth911 is a great place to search for safe paint disposal options in your area.

Have you guys used other brands of zero VOC paints? I tried to include accessible options here, and I'd love to hear what worked for you!

Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by Wallula Junction