 Wallpaper is another part of home decorating that can be done eco-friendly. Wallpaper lasts up to 10 years. If eco-friendly wallpaper is purchased, there are 10 less years of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) in a home. VOC’s are the chemicals we smell when wallpaper is applied. The treated wallpaper prevents mildew but adds to indoor air pollution. This indoor air pollution has a direct link to human health problems like asthma. But wallpaper is a home product that is making its way to becoming green.
Traditional vinyl wallpaper is high in VOC’s. Green wallpaper comes in low VOC and zero VOC varieties. But there is more to eco-friendly wallpaper than just a reduction in VOC’s. The entire manufacturing process should have as minimal impact to the Earth as possible. Technology has brought us more ways to have better wallpaper. Ecore is a material that has been developed by the company Ecodomo that uses nanotechnology to make wallpaper using less energy. This is a definite advantage over traditional wallpaper that uses a lot of energy in the manufacturing process. Another benefit of the wallpaper is that it is tough against tearing and stains, fire-proof, and is 100% recyclable.
There is also wallpaper made solely from plants. A Japanese company, Ai-Wall, sells straw wallpaper. The wallpaper is naturally anti-mold and anti-fungal. Ai-Wall also claims the product has a "spiritual healing effect." The company will send you swatches to help you decide. Other sustainable choices are cork, bamboo and grass cloth, because no trees are cut down when harvesting these resources. They are very versatile materials that can be used for all sorts of things in the home besides wallpaper, which is why they are quickly gaining popularity as universal materials.
Micro-fiber wallpapers, including grass cloth, are environmentally friendly. Micro-fiber is man-made, but is very eco-friendly. It has tiny fibers that when examined microscopically, create tough wallpaper that is anti-mold. Grass cloth is another type of breathable wallpaper that prevents mold growth. Brands include Seabrook, Blue Mountain, Brewster, and several others that will be available soon.
There are eco-friendly alternatives to chemical sprays when trying to remove old wallpaper. One way is by using a steam plate, which can be rented. Hold it in place for 30 seconds and the old paper should peel off. To remove glue stuck to the wall, use vinegar, water and a wet sponge. Traditional chemical sprays may seem easier to use, but they can also inhibit the new paper to adhere properly to the wall, so the alternatives have definite advantages. The main thing with eco-friendly wallpaper is to avoid vinyl. What makes eco-friendly wallpaper better than vinyl is that it will decompose faster in landfills and will not trap moisture that can cause mold or mildew to grow. Vinyl can take 1,000 years to completely break down. Additional products to look for are water based inks and bamboo, which add to the green qualities. More places are carrying these as a direct consequence of consumer awareness.
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