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Have you ever noticed that arts and crafts paint labels don’t list the ingredients in their products? Arts and crafts paints are exempt from consumer paint lead laws and one company is trying to bring this to the spotlight. GLOB, which makes paints using natural plant extracts and botanical pigments, wants us to know that “in the US, synthetic pigments that have never been tested for toxicity can be labeled ‘non-toxic.’” Yet again, as consumers, we are uninformed.
According to GLOB’s website, “Arts and crafts paint often contain lead, cadmium, and host of toxic ingredients like formaldehyde (a carcinogen), one of the most common paint preservatives.” So in other words, conventional paints might not be so good for you or for the environment.
GLOB’s Natural Paint Packets are made from fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices, each is made with natural food-grade ingredients and organic extracts. Not to mention they are also biodegradable. They were developed by artist Ashley Phelps with safety and sustainability first and foremost in mind.
Currently, GLOB offers six colors: Lemon Verbena, Blueberry, Pomegranate, Tangerine, Plum Purple and Basil Green. For just $15, the Paint Kit offers Includes: six color packets, six compostable jars with lids, and two bamboo brushes with recycled aluminum. We love that a little goes a long way and all you have to do is add water!
GLOB also does many things for the community. They currently partner with the California Autism Foundation Work Activity Program for assembly and packaging services. This assists in providing vocational skills and experience to people with autism and other developmental disabilities. GLOB also donates paints to the art program at the California Autism Foundation's Better Chance School.
Kara is 3p's writer from New England. In her Newport, RI community, Kara is the organizer of Green Drinks Newport, is a member of Newport's Energy & Environment Commission, is a volunteer for the Neighborhood Energy Challenge, Norman Bird Sanctuary, and has also volunteered as a panelist for Rhode Island Farmways, speaking to farmers from around the state about how they can better market and promote their businesses. Beyond the moat that surrounds her island home, Kara has backpacked Mt. Washington in New Hampshire too many times to count and she hopes her next adventure will be to ski the gnarly Tuckerman's Ravine. Kara is a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, a graduate of the Colorado Outward Bound School and in real life, she is a public relations director who'd just plain like to see the world a greener place. Kara has been writing for TreeHugger.com since January 2005 and began writing for 3p in January 2010.
