The products used to cover the walls of your home with colorful textures and patterns are often made from non-sustainable materials. These ingredients can include many chemicals that will be harmful to you and your family. The process of making conventional wallpapers includes the use of toxic inks, dyes, fungicides, pesticides, pastes and flame-retardants that contribute to indoor air pollution. Similarly, fabric coverings can contain flame-retardants and prepasted wallcoverings feature glues that contain mold retarders and insecticides or synthetic adhesives that outgas VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the environment.¹

           
Most conventional wallcoverings on the market are made from vinyl or vinyl coated papers that can grow mold and pollute the air in your home. Vinyl is not a sustainable product and it therefore contributes to landfill growth.¹

The good news is that are some great alternatives to choose from that are beautiful, durable and earth-friendly.  Here are some interesting eco-friendly wallcovering options that you might consider in your home. These products will not only make your residence look great, but
your purchase will contribute to a green way of life and a healthier home.

In place of the vinyl wallpapers are recycled paper based wallpapers. Some of the emerging companies out there that offer this product include Pallas' Dialtones line made from used Japanese phonebooks. The resulting product features a natural range of colors in a granite-like pattern. Another option is Paperforms, designed by MIO, which is a 3D wallpaper that can be arranged in many different variations throughout your home. This modern solution, made from 100% pre and post-consumer waste paper, will give your walls a modern texture in an assortment of colors.

Another strategy you might consider for your home is a wet-applied wall covering. Both clay and limestone plasters are environmentally friendly options. American Clay uses natural clay, recycled and reclaimed aggregates and natural pigment for color. The material can be custom applied in a variety of textures and styles. One option for lime-based plaster and other products is TexSton, whose plasters are made from natural materials. In addition, these plasters are durable, easy to apply and resistant to fungus or mildew. Also, check out Transmineral USA's St. Astier Natural Hydraulic Lime.

Another route you might want to investigate are textile wallcoverings. Innovations has a range of textiles that are sustainable and feature non-toxic materials. Beyond the products themselves, they have reduced the waste at their mills by 30%. Other companies that feature eco-friendly textiles include Maharam and DesignTex.

           
If you are not considering a pattern or plaster, check out some of these innovative possibilities that can bring a distinctive look to your dwelling. Kirei Board is a unique wall covering that is made from the stalks of the Sorghum plant. The stalks are the leftovers from harvest and are heat-pressed with a safe adhesive to make a lightweight, sturdy board. Based in China where the Sorghum is grown, the factory uses low-energy processes and minimal wastewater and air emissions. Habitus offers cork wallcoverings that are 100% natural, durable and insulating. The most unique product uses small, round cork tiles that create a mosaic-like effect, although there is a variety of cork fabrics and traditional tiles as well.

¹ GreenSage.com. "Wallpapers and Wallcoverings." 2007.

<http://greensage.com/SLCH-wallcover.htm>.