Useful Links A number of environmentally friendly paints are listed in in this category but they are not all equally 'green'. For instance AquaCoat has lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions than other paints, but is still a synthetic paint based on a crude oil source. On the other end of the 'green' spectrum, there is ProNature which is an entirely natural, plant-based product.
OREJEN - ADDING HISTORY AND PRESERVING THE PAST
Orejen specialises in the manufacture of replica antique windows and doors for listed and heritage style homes using recycled timber only. The whole ethos of Orejen is to save trees by not using new wood for the manufacture of windows and doors. If this wood was not being recycled in this way, it would in all likelhood end up in landfills or get burned as firewood. The photo shows a new window - made to fit the existing opening and made to size - using imperial size sections to get it to match perfectly.
ProNature Wall paints provide an interior and exterior waterborne natural resin based wall finish for all mineral substrates (plaster, concrete etc.) and organic substrates (wall paper, wood etc.). Only natural elements such as beeswax, plant oils and extracts are used in ProNature products and EnviroTouch ProNature products offer the purest, environmentally sound alternative to synthetic paints. They are non-toxic, with no harmful ingredient; easy to apply and low maintenance; and can be used on all interior and exterior wood, stone and wall applications.
EnviroTouch ProNature Products are available at selected shops and hardware stores nationwide. For more information contact:
Tel: (021) 556 1238 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (021) 556 1238end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Web: www.pronature.co.za
If you live in Cape Town, you can also order online at www.ethical.org.za
SAVUTI ROOFING
This company has established a new division - Savuti Green - "dedicated to the design and development of products that are African inspired yet reduce the impact on our fragile environment".The Savuti Green Reed and Thatch Tiles are manufactured from recycled plastic waste and sand and claim to offer the following benefits: reduced ecological Impact; approximately 1/2 the weight of concrete tiles, therefore less costly to transport;Waterproof and weatherproof; extremely durable; significantly reduced breakages;great aesthetics; and cost effectiveness.
Xanita makes environmentally friendly, printable lightweight board products in a range of sizes and surface finishes. The internal core of the composite board is made from 100% recycled kraft and the products themselves are fully recyclable and repulpable and VOC (volotile organic compound) free. Xanita products can be used for dry walling, ceiling oards, modular housing panels; office partitioning and shopfitting; shelving; furniture; print display; exhibitions; and packaging.
AQUA COAT Aqua Coat is an environmentally friendlier range of pure acrylic paints, varnishes, metal primers, waterproofing sealants, boning liquid, flooring, brickseal, crackfill, bakkie bin liners and pool epoxy's. Some of the environmentally friendly properties of Aqua Coat include a substantially lower VOC content when compared with international standards; heat absorbing properties of white or light colours said to provide improved insulation capacity, with a reduction of 15% of internal temperatures; and zero noxious fumes or harmful fungicides and acticides as well as almost zero SABS smoke toxicity test results.
BREATHECOAT PAINT
BreatheCoat paint is a solvent-free and lead-free paint available in smooth or mottled Tuscany finishes which can be used in numerous DIY applications such as waterproofing and painting of water features and renovation of decorative garden ponds. Because it is solvent free it emits no toxic fumes and poses no health hazards. Brushes, rollers etc. can be cleaned with water.
SISAL FLOOR TILES Rebtex have introduced a sisal floor tile as an environmentally friendlier alternative to tiles made from synthetic and polyvinal chloride (PVC).The sisal used in these tiles is grown in Limpopo province. According to the manufacturers, sisal is grown with minimal (if any) pesticides and offers income opportunities to destitute communities. The tiles contain no VOCs. Information was not available on the environmental properties of the glue/adhesive used to install the tiles which may be less environmentally friendly than the tile, perhaps the supplier can provide more details on this. The company also makes wall-to-wall carpets from natural, locally sourced fibers including coir, jute and seagrass.
ORIENTAL BAMBOO
Oriental bamboo, based in Cape Town, is a supplier of "FSC & ISO 14001 certified eco-friendly & CE and ISO 9001 quality strand woven & bamboo flooring, outdoor bamboo decking, bamboo panels and bamboo boards to the trade in South Africa and sub Saharan Africa." The bamboo is imported from China, and assembled in Cape Town.
MIDAS EARTHCOTE PAINTS Earthcote paints is part of the MIDAS paints franchise, a family business started in 1989. MIDAS is now a member of Freeworld Coatings Limited, supplying specialist paint jobs with innovative paints. They claim to be focused on ecologically sound innovations and environmental preservation. They offer an online training program, the first of its kind, which is said to make training more accessible and environmentally sound. The paint colourants are said to be glycol free since early 2009, making them more environmentally friendly. Also, the wood care as part of Earthcote Woodcote is solvent-free, and sealers are water-based - both of which aid in making the products more environmentally sound.
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