Ever wondered why painting a room smells so bad? The odor associated with interior paints and finishes is largely due to the toxic compounds, such as formaldehyde and acetone which many of them contain. If you’re planning a green remodel for your home, here are a few suggestions for choosing environmentally friendly paint.

Purchase VOC free or low VOC paint: VOC is an acronym for volatile organic compound, and it’s a term which refers to potentially toxic substances which can vaporize and contaminate the air. VOCs are a concern for those with asthma, allergies, or anyone who doesn’t want to risk the long term effects of breathing toxins.

While VOC free paints are more expensive (around $30/gallon) than regular latex paint, some major home improvement retail stores are starting to add environmentally friendly paints to their inventory, making them more affordable. Home Depot recently began carrying Freshaire Choice, a line of VOC free interior paint.

Milk Paint: Milk paint is a non toxic interior paint choice that has been around for centuries. You begin by purchasing milk paint powder and then mixing in the right pigments for the color you want. With milk paint, you only mix what you need, eliminating waste. Learn more about milk paint here.