Finishes are coatings that are ?applied to the external & inside surfaces of walls to protect them from the elements & from wear & tear. ?They also improve the appearance of the structure & are used to enhance the design of rooms.

Petroleum, our main source of oil-based wood finishes & paint, is a non-renewable resource.? There're now paints & finishes on the market that are derived from a renewable resource, which ?in a small way, helps to reduce dependence on oil, and? contributes to a more sustainable world.

The basis for these products is whey, which is a product of cheese making, & which has a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).? This increases the burden on waste treatment facilities, & can also pollute our natural water sources.? In the last ten years, this by-product has been used for many new purposes, one of which is natural wood finishes.

When choosing paints for your decorating, use the low or no VOC (volatile organic compound) paints. For hundreds, no, thousands of years, earth, clay & lime have been used, both in hot & cold areas of the world.? And now this knowledge is being readapted for contemporary use. If you do any redecorating or new building, it makes sense to contribute to having green, healthy surroundings.

Low & no VOC paints have less smell & less impact on air quality.? EPA studies have shown that indoor air quality is up to five times more toxic than outdoors, mainly because of toxic emissions from paint & finishes. This particularly affects anyone with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities. Right. With the new "green" paints, there will be lower contamination of landfills, groundwater, & the ozone.

Switching will not cost you more.? Cleanup is easily done with soap & water, instead of toxic chemicals, & brushes can easily be cleaned & reused.? The paint is still washable, and is far less harmful to you, your pets, & the environment.