Environmentally Friendly Wallpaper - Choose Eco Friendly Wall Coverings
Though there are a number of painting techniques you can use to add depth, texture and pattern to your walls, you may find wall coverings quicker, simpler and more fun. Instead of conventional vinyl wallpaper and chemical adhesives, now you have many eco-friendly alternatives that offer even better performance and greater variety.
Choose 100 Percent Recycled Wallpaper or Organic Cotton Fabric
The two main components of vinyl are chlorine and petroleum, neither of which you want papering your home. Vinyl wallpaper is also a breeding ground for mold. For an eco-friendly, non-toxic alternative, cover your walls in 100 percent paper wallpaper (preferably recycled) or organic cotton fabric. Though by no means an exhaustive list, below are some eco-friendly manufacturers of eco-friendly wall coverings that represent a good place to start:
- Madison and Grow
- Angela Adams' Wall Coverings
- Mod Green Pod Wallpaper and Fabrics
- Cavern Home Wallpaper
Make Your Own Non-Toxic Wallpaper Paste or Fabric Starch
Conventional wall covering adhesives emit VOC's (volatile organic chemicals). VOC's vaporize at room temperature and react when exposed to sunlight. Meanwhile, you probably already have the makings for safe, perfectly effective wallpaper paste and fabric starch right there at home.
Wallpaper Paste Recipe
- 1 cup flour (wheat, corn, or rice)
- 3 teaspoons alum
- water
- 10 drops oil of cloves (natural preservatives)
Combine the flour and alum in a double boiler. (If you don't have a double boiler, set a smaller pan inside a bigger one that contains enough water that can be brought to a boil without overflowing). Add enough water to make a consistency of heavy cream; stir until blended. Heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture has thickened to a gravy texture. Let cool. Stir in the clove oil. Pour into a glass jar with a screw top. Apply with a glue brush.
Wall Covering Fabric Starch Recipe
- 1 Tbs. cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 3-1/3 cup tap water
Bring 3/4 cup tap water to a rolling boil. While waiting for water to boil, mix the tablespoon of cornstarch into cold water. Stir constantly until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Once water boils, slowly stir in cornstarch mixture. Remove from heat and let cool. After cooling add to a one quart spray bottle with remaining water.
Your walls are the backdrop for everything else in your home - pictures and furniture of course, but also your everyday activities. With a creative combo of wall coverings and interior paint, you can make every wall an eco-friendly canvas of sorts on which to paint a greener way of life!