For most of us, sustainable switches start in the home. This summer, I wanted to refresh areas of my apartment in an environmentally conscious way and work with sustainable paints. Little Greene, a UK-based company renowned for their alternative paints, was the perfect choice. The team provided me with the opportunity to put their Re:mix recycled paint collection to the test. Continue reading for the results…
When it comes to paint, conventional options have their environmental downsides. Often, they can contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which, when released into the atmosphere can create problems for our health, as well as for nature. When released in large amounts, VOCs can contribute to respiratory problems, skin irritation, nausea and dizziness.
For the environment, harmful compounds in conventional paint can cause water pollution as pigments end up in waterways through the washing of brushes, rollers and trays. The hazardous odours and toxic chemical smell associated with conventional paints also have an impact.
These facts help frame why it is so important to seek more sustainable alternatives. Since 2004, Little Greene has built a reputation for having high environmental standards. Whether it’s their water or oil-based finishes, their manufacturing is held to the highest degree. For example, their water-based paints have the industry’s lowest eco-rating with virtually zero VOCs and these paints do not make any solvent contribution to the atmosphere. Similarly, Little Greene’s oil-based paints have been reformulated using sustainable vegetable oils.
As they are made here in the UK, Little Greene has a much smaller global carbon footprint than other brands and I’m happy to have received paint that is made so close to home. Little Greene paint tins are made using over 50% recycled steel and can be recycled again. What’s more, the team have made concerted efforts to produce as little waste as possible by ensuring that all paints are tinted to order.
Introducing the recycled paint Re:mix collection
The Re:mix collection by Little Greene is a blend of left-over, unwanted paints that have been reformulated into beautiful finishings for interiors. The re-blended collection uses damaged or unwanted paint stock from their Absolute Matt, Intelligent Matt and Intelligent Eggshell ranges.
The team estimates that the upcycling of these waste paints prevents as much as 60,000 litres of high-quality mineral and organic raw materials from going to waste each year.
This is important, given that an estimated 50,000 million litres of paint are left unwanted in homes and garages each year.
The Re:mix collection is available in 20 colours, many from the original Little Greene shade options. The paint comes in 2.5-litre tins at £28. In my eyes, this is very affordable given the quality of the paint and how far just a little goes. I was able to whittle it down to three choices, Silent White Mid, Silent White Deep and Light Beauvais.
As I wanted a warm and understated aesthetic for my simple, minimal room I went with Light Beauvais – a pink-based neutral, warm tone. The Little Greene website is great for suggesting colour combinations that could go with whatever shade you decide on. I loved that the Re:mix tin features artwork by Caroline Dowsett, a Manchester-based artist and you can read more on the Re:mix FAQ’s.
Shades of pretty – the Re:mix collection used in different spaces. In order of appearance: Livid, Sunlight and Yellow – Pink. Credit: Images supplied by Little Greene
Putting Little Greene’s Re:mix collection to the test
Despite being nearly 30, I’ve never painted my own room before, so this was unchartered territory. It was a welcome experience to be able to spend time decorating without the strong toxic smells usually associated with paint and lose myself for a few hours to some podcasts and music as I worked around the walls.
For tools, I purchased frog tape, a roller, a large tray and a set of paint brushes from B&Q. I’m sure there may have been less environmentally impactful paint brushes however I was on a budget so thought this would be fine for my first painting project.
I genuinely believe the more time you take in carefully taping your walls and ceilings, the better the results.
As I was painting over quite a strong lilac, I decided to go for three coats. This was plenty and I’m so happy with how the quality of the colour comes through. It’s incredible to think this paint is recycled. It wasn’t grainy or lumpy and I don’t think you’d be able to tell the difference between this and virgin paint
Things I would do differently – honestly, not a lot. I am so happy with the finished space. I would suggest making sure users really stir the paint and have a variety of brushes on hand for the different types of edges and sizes of paint surfaces that you may have. As mine is a loft room, with lots of unconventional slants, nooks and crannies, having a selection was really helpful.
I would undoubtedly recommend the Re:mix collection to anyone looking to brighten their home and interior spaces with paint that has a smaller environmental footprint and embraces a circular approach.
Written with special thanks to the Little Greene team for the opportunity to trial their paints for a road test on my home project and for defining what good can look like when it comes to sustainable paints.
Take a look at my Instagram for a video of the process and transformation.
Read more about Little Greene and follow them on Instagram: @littlegreenepaintcompany. If you are in London, you can also visit their store on Westbourne Grove.
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