It’s also home to the Martha’s Vineyard Furniture Company, whose specialty is making beautiful, sustainable pieces like the reclaimed barn board table above.  Part of their Agrarian Green collection, the Tisbury Dining Table is made to order in either the Antique Walnut finish shown above, or in the lighter Old Growth Oak with Driftwood finish.   There are also options for a turned leg, tapered leg, or even a breadboard extension!

Several of the pieces in the line, including the Lagoon Pond Kitchen Island above, allow for custom, environmentally friendly milk paint colors and finishes as well.

If you happen to be one of the lucky folks who get to while away the summer in Martha’s Vineyard, you should stop by Interiors Studio in Vineyard Haven where you may see examples from all three of the sustainable furniture lines Martha’s Vineyard Furniture offers, including the Many Shades of Green line, made of no-VOC painted Hevea wood (seen above), and the Olive Street collection of upholstered pieces.  For those not quite so lucky, all of the furniture is available online through their website.

So how did this company come to be?  Well, when you have an interior designer, an environmental consultant, and a retired business owner, all in the same family, it almost seems inevitable doesn’t it?  Says the company website -

“The beautiful Island of Martha’s Vineyard was the inspiration for our furniture. Each piece of furniture is named after a place on the Island and each color selected for our painted furniture is a reflection of how we see life on Martha’s Vineyard.

We think “Islanders” and “Wash-a-shores” alike would agree.”

Well, I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard, but if any of you dear readers have, please let us know what you think in the comments.

That being said, there were still a few cool things to look at, like the work of L.A. Box Collective…

I’m planning on a whole post on this great group of wood artisans soon, so I won’t get into too much detail.  Suffice to say, their exhibit asking you to match which raw, reclaimed wood was the source for which beautiful piece of furniture, was by far the most interesting and fun space at AltBuild.  Thanks Leigh for answering all my questions and showing me how much I still need to learn about wood!

I was also pleased to meet Sarah from Pacific Coast Teak, the U.S. importers of ProTeak, which I posted about a while back.  They had a nice display of some of the beautiful kitchen carts made from the FSC certified teak lumber.  Really lovely.

I’m going to have tot ake a closer look at this Woca oil I ran across.  It looks like a nice line of wood oils and stains that are extremely low odor and non-toxic.  Have any of you, dear readers, tried it before?  I’d love to hear what you thought of it.  I’m especially intrigued by the “color oil” stains.

Here’s an idea.  Take fast growing, FSC certified softwood, and then use a non-toxic technology to give it the properties of more durable hardwood.  That’s what the folks at Accoya have managed to do with their exterior grade product.  I saw a sample, and it really is quite remarkable.

And, last but not least, I give you the EnviroLoo – “a new American-made solar heated evaporative human waste system”!

And you thought I was only going to write about furniture and stuff…

Manufacturer:  Benjamin Moore

Paint: Natura Interior Waterborne Paint (color – White)

Cost:  $49.99 per gallon retail (online)

Composition: Water based acrylic latex. Contains acrylic latex, titanium dioxide, nepheline syenite, kaolin, silica (amorphous), diatomaceous earth

VOCs: 0 g/l (grams per liter)

Certifications: GreenSeal, Greenguard

Color range: All Benjamin Moore colors available.  Tinting will not affect VOC level.

Coverage: Estimated by mnf. at 375 – 425 sf per gallon

Testing results

Paint odor in can – Typical latex paint smell, but undetectable beyond 3″ from can opening.

Consistency of paint – Even after repeatedly shaking can, paint remained separated, and had to be vigorously stirred to create a smooth texture.  Once homogenized however, paint was fairly thick and smooth.

Coverage – It took only 1 coat to cover existing dark tan paint

Drying time – 30 minutes till dry to touch.  Did not need to apply second coat.

Odor after one day – Undetectable

Adhesion after one day – Virtually no residue viiable on tape after removal.  Tape did not affect painted surface.

Note:  Paint provided by Benjamin Moore for our use in test.

Conclusion:  Very low odor and excellent hideability.  The average room would only need a single gallon to cover most walls, making the $49.99 price tag a lot more affordable overall.  It is also a plus that the paint can be tinted without changing the level of VOCs.  However, the paint does require a great deal of stirring to achieve a smooth consistency.

Note: We chose not to apply paint under ideal conditions, including the use of a primer, so your results may vary.  To read more about how we approached our review process, please read this post.

If you have any experience with this paint, please feel free to add your comments below.  The more people who share their knowledge, the more useful these reviews will be.

Manufacturer:  Sherwin Williams

Paint: Harmony Interior Latex Flat Paint (color – Extra White)

Cost:  $36.99 per gallon retail

Composition: Water based acrylic latex. Contains titanium dioxide, nepheline syenite, vinyl polymer, calcium carbonate, kaolin, mica.  Formulated with no silica.

VOCs: Less than 2g/l (grams per liter)

Certifications:  Greenguard, Good Housekeeping

Color range: Most colors are available.  Sherwin Williams’ “Blend-A-Color” tinting can add to VOC level.

Coverage: Estimated by mnf. at 350 – 400 sf per gallon

Testing results

Paint odor in can – Smells like the tempera paint we used as kids.  Odor undetectable more than 12″ from freshly opened can.

Consistency of paint – Smooth, slightly thin, light splatter

Coverage – 2 coats just covered existing dark tan paint

Drying time – 45 minutes till dry to touch.  Waited recommended 4 hours before applying second coat.

Odor after one day – Very faint, almost undetectable

Adhesion after one day – Applied clear tape to paint.  Some residue showed on tape, but did not affect surface of painted wall.  Tape was hard to remove at first.

Note:  Paint provided by Sherwin Williams for our use in test.

Conclusion:  This paint is definitely low odor, and has the added benefit of being anti-microbial.  Other than the vinyl polymer, the paint basically consists of water and ground minerals and rocks (see composition above).  Because it is slightly thin in consistency, I imagine this would do very well in a sprayer, which coupled with it’s relatively low price point, might make it ideal for larger projects and painting contractors, as well as those looking for an affordable option in no-VOC paint.  However, I would advise using primer before trying to cover a darker color of paint.

I really like the fact that Sherwin Williams took the time to redesign their can as well as their paint.  The can is 100% post consumer recycled resin (plastic), with a label made of 75% recovered fiber and 25% post consumer waste, printed with soy ink.  You can read more about their GreenSure environmental program here.

Note: We chose not to apply paint under ideal conditions, including the use of a primer, so your results may vary.  To read more about how we approached our review process, please read this post.

If you have any experience with this paint, please feel free to add your comments below.  The more people who share their knowledge, the more useful these reviews will be.

Manufacturer:  Dunn-Edwards

Paint: Enso Interior Flat Paint (color – Tintable White)

Cost:  $55.48 per gallon (some discounts available, please inquire with store)

Composition: Water based acrylic latex. Contains titanium dioxide to boost hiding ability of paint. MSDS indicates no reportable hazardous ingrediants.

VOCs: Less than 2g/l (grams per liter)

Certifications:  MPI Extreme Green

Color range: Virtually entire standard range of Dunn-Edwards colors, with the exception of several deep reds.  Pigment can add to VOC level.

Coverage: Estimated by mnf. at 300 – 400 sf per gallon

Testing results

Paint odor in can – Typical latex paint smell, but unnoticeable if more than 8″ from can

Consistency of paint – Smooth, medium flow, slightly gummy.  No spatter experienced.

Coverage – 2 coats to cover existing dark tan paint

Drying time – 30 minutes till dry to touch.  Waited recommended 2 hours before applying second coat.

Odor after one day – slight latex paint smell when less than 2″ from wall.  Otherwise, no odor noticeable.

Adhesion after one day – Applied clear tape to paint.  Only faint residue visible on tape after removal.

Note:  Paint provided by Dunn-Edwards for our use in test.

Conclusion:  This is still a very new paint on the market, and as such it is hard to get a gauge on what is happening in the field.  Based on our try out, this is a good choice for the casual painter who is looking for a no-VOC option that is fairly affordable and readily available.  I’m happy that this new line is available in (virtually) all of their colors.

Note: We chose not to apply paint under ideal conditions, including the use of a primer, so results may vary.  To read more about how we approached our review process, please read this post.

If you have any experience with this paint, please feel free to add your comments below.  The more people who share their knowledge, the more useful these reviews will be.

So what is our first victim material to review?  I thought we couldn’t find a better place to start than the ever expanding options in “no-VOC” flat paint.  Starting this week, we will look at 10 different paint brands, across three different categories: Mainstream, Eco-Friendly, and Boutique.  This week we will try out three of the top mainstream U.S. brands – Dunn-Edwards, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore.

And how are we going to review them?   Well, my 8 year old son volunteered to put it up on the wall using some old paint brushes he found in the garage, but I thought we might want to be a little more controlled, so I will be applying the paint with a roller, over a previously painted surface (aka my hallway).  During the process,  I will make notes as to my impressions on the following:

1. Paint odor in can

2. Consistency of paint

3. Coverage (1, 2 or 3 coats needed to cover previous color)

4. Drying time

5. Odor after one day

6. Adhesion after one day (using a piece of scotch tape)

All of the paints will be basic white, and we will provide links to the manufacturers recommended application.  I will not be following those specific recommendations however, since I want this to reflect a more “real world” situation, which usually consists of paint being rolled onto walls with little or no surface preparation.

I will also provide any and all information available on what is in the paint, if it has any 3rd party certifications, pricing, and the number of colors available.

So join us again tomorrow as we review Dunn-Edwards newest no-VOC paint – Enso.

I love the exuberant free form swirls of the “Nimboo” pattern.  The bright color and large scale are perfect for bigger spaces.  And wait till you see how fun those swirls are on a pillow!

Hand embroidered by woman in India, these cheerful Fair Trade pillows are made of wool felt with feather inserts.

For those with a desire for something a little more subtle, Bholu also has the “Ziddi” pattern, which was inspired by the textural quality of traditional embroidery.

As with their children’s prints, all wallpapers are printed by Porter’s Paints on paper stock, using their own low to no VOC paints.  A portion of the sales for the Bholu line will be donated to the ‘Bholu Anganwadi Project’, which rebuilds “Anganwadi’s” (preschools) for slum children in under privileged communities in India.

There is such a joy that comes from owning something made with care by human hands, rather than the cold perfection of machines.  Every stitch a moment of time in that person’s life.  And knowing that Fair Trade practices means they are being fairly compensated for their work means your purchase directly contributes to their having a better life.

The Bholu collections can be found in shops all over the world, or ordered directly online.

Mavis Monkey

Just launched last month, the Bholu line of wallpapers from Australia based Porter’s Paints has whimsy aplenty.  Printed on paperstock with low to no VOC paint, this line was created by noted designer Jodie Fried, as part of her Bholu collection of interior products and accessories.

But beyond being cute and environmentally friendly, Bholu wallpaper has another draw…

Frederick Elephant

Porter’s Paints will be donating a portion of the sales for the Bholu line to the ‘Bholu Anganwadi Project’, which rebuilds “Anganwadi’s” (preschools) for slum children in under privileged communities in India.  They have already succeeded in building 8 schools, with more than 280 children attending.

“It is the beauty of India that inspires me; the colour, the textures, the patterns, the people and the celebrations, but most of all it is the artisans and children that we work with that inspire my designs and bring them to life. It is very exciting to be collaborating with Porter’s Paints and taking the Bholu textile range, into another dimension and craft; in turn continuing to give back to their communities. “  – Jodie Fried

Marjorie the Duck

I think the prints are so much fun.  Sweet and playful without being at all twee.

And those adorable stuffed animals?  They are available too!

Handmade out of felt by woman in India, under Fair Trade standards, the designs are based on the drawings of children in the community.

Tomorrow I’ll take a look at what Bholu has to offer for those with a desire for something a little more on the grown-up side.

Seriously, I think that sofa is smiling at me…  Sorry, just had to point that out.

Anyway, love the Eco line of wallpapers by Graham & Brown.  They’ve got that quintessential British ‘Victorian married to Mod’ look.

Printed on paper from certified sustainable forests, using no-VOC inks, these wallpaper patterns are fun AND affordable.  Best of all, they are available everywhere from the US, Canada, Russia and Holland to France, Poland and China.

So what do you think?

A green finish that meets today’s standards set by petroleum-based finishes can be a bit of a conundrum.  Mainstream furniture and cabinets are normally sprayed with nitrocellulose lacquers, varnishes, and the like.  Icky and stinky as they are they really protect the wood by basically coating it with a layer of plastic.

A few years back, water based polyurethane finished came out as a green alternative but, like anything new, they were slow to be accepted.  There were complaints that they were hard to work with and the color was off but the manufacturers listened and solved these problems while at the same time making these water based finishes even more safe for the environment.  A finish that I’ve wanted to try is Vermont Coatings Poly Whey, available locally in Southern California at Livingreen.  Polyurethane finishes do require some work to apply nicely so they add some cost to a project

That being said, my favorite finishes are natural plant based oil finishes, which in my opinion, are the greenest finishes one can have next to no finish at all and are really easy to use.  Usually tung or linseed oils are the base, sometimes both.  These oils naturally dry and seal without nasty chemicals.  Spray finishes leave a film over the wood while oil finishes treat the outer layer keeping the texture of the wood intact.  Add a little bees wax and you have a silky soft finish with a great natural wooden feel.

There are a lot of environmentally safe oil finishes available now.  To keep things simple I wanted to choose one and make it my go to finish.  When I lived in San Francisco the folks at Eco Home let me sample every can of green finish that they had open by wiping some on strips of wood that I had brought in.  I took them home and did everything I could to mess up the finish by spilling wine, scratching, keeping glasses of iced water on them overnight, and so on.  None were impervious to my abuse but one stood out as very durable and also had the best color, AFM Safecoat Naturals Oil Wax Finish.  It has a warm amber tone, soft feel, workability, and dries fairly fast.  I also like matte finishes. Too much shine and you can’t see the grain of the wood.

Oil finishes can be vulnerable to moisture damage from spills and such but fortunately an oil finish is easy to repair.  Just lightly sand the problem area, apply some oil, and wipe off the excess.  Easy.

So, in conclusion, I think the best finish for kitchen cabinets or furniture that will be exposed to food and drinks is a water based polyurethane.  For everything else I recommend saving money and use a plant based oil.  They are easy to repair and look the best.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about eco friendly finishes for your furniture.