At Howe's Decorating Company, our eco decorating services focus on environmentally conscious choices—offering traditional paint coatings, heritage paint coatings, and low-VOC, naturally derived products for interiors, exteriors, and historic properties alike throughout Harleston, Long Stratton, Reedham, Beccles, and nearby towns.
Like many, the decorating industry has gradually (at glacial speed!) been making moves toward a more ecologically friendly future. Because this progress is so slow many brands have simply taken to overstating their products planet friendly credentials. For example, just because a product is water based and has low VOC's doesn't mean its better for the planet because it can still be full of plastics, contain petrochemicals, and have a manufacturing process that is powered by fossil fuels and produces a lot of toxic waste (the average is something like 35litres of toxic waste per litre of paint produced).
With paints made all over the world there are many different certifications and green awards and it can be hard to distinguish the genuine planet sympathetic products from the greenwashed ones.
We haven't conducted a deep dive into it but we have found two certifications that seem to have credibility and be global in reach. These are 'B Corp' and 'Cradle to Cradle'. They both judge companies holistically by looking at their social impacts in addition to their environmental ones, which is great, but it means a bit more digging is needed if its just the environmental side you are interested in. In general we think B Corp is more socially motivated and certifies companies as a whole whereas Cradle to Cradle is weighted more towards planet friendly observances and certifies specific products rather than a complete company. Therefore we feel Cradle to Cradle is a better yardstick here.
From the Cradle to Cradle website there are two paint companies with several products listed: Graphenstone and Keim. We have used paint from both of these companies several times and like them, however, we don't tend to use Keim these days as it is made to order and shipped from Germany which means you do not want to be ordering more to finish off a job as the lead time is relatively long and there are obviously shipping fees. Because of this you always end up ordering more than you actually need which is not eco friendly!
By contrast, the home of Graphenstone UK is right here in the Waveney valley so it is very easy to get hold of. It is also very nice paint to use both on modern houses and heritage and listed buildings.
With B Corp certification, mentions must be given to Edward Bulmer Natural Paint and to Lick. We have applied Edward Bulmer paint before and found it to be very nice but cant recall using Lick. There is another British paint company with B Corp certification but their environmental score was just under half that of the other two just mentioned which would suggest they are very socially responsible.
Traditional coatings such as limewash, tend to be made of more natural and sustainable ingredients because they existed prior to the boom in petro chemicals and plastics. However big business wants to produce these products at scale so they are more profitable and in so doing they are not always true to the origin of the coating.
In regards to decorating tools there are biodegradable dust sheets, brushes and rollers made of sustainably resourced bamboo, recycled metal and natural bristle, and roller trays and kettles made of sugarcane pulp (a waste product of sugar production). In conclusion, eco friendly options are out there but are not as readily available as the harmful products. This is probably because the bigger paint companies that dominate the market are happy to keep the status quo and will do so until change is forced upon them either by consumer demand or regulation. Which ever way it happens lets hope the change comes sooner rather than later.
I just wanted to say what an amazing job you did for us at Roydon Village Hall. You were all so helpful from start to finish with advice and information with regards to materials used etc. The biggest advantage to us was the fact you could work flexibly for us and got the whole job done so quickly in just over one week. The fact you managed to do this meant that there was such minimal disruption to our regular hirers and therefore we had minimal loss of income too! To anyone who is looking for a decorator i would not hesitate in recommending you. You were all so amiable, professional, clean, tidy and finished the job to a high standard. You went above and beyond with the info you provided in your quote and this definitely helped us make our mind up to 'use' you. You weren't the cheapest or most expensive of the quotes but you were definitely the most thorough and helpful. Thank you again for all your help and advice.
by T Batchelor
Gavin and his staff did extensive work in our house and did so to a very high standard to our absolute satisfaction. Gavin gave our work careful and thorough consideration before a detailed estimate which we promptly accepted. He impressed us from our first meeting as a courteous and professional person. He phones when he says he will, he turns up when he says he will and at all times treated our home with the greatest respect. After completing the work he left the rooms in an immaculate state. Gavin is extremely helpful, totally reliable and honest and i have no hesitation in recommending his firm for painting and decorating work.
by Mr C Wilson
Despite the weather you and Thomas managed to make the house look lovely and i am really pleased. I appreciate you careful work and good company.
by M Romanus
I am delighted to be able to offer a testimonial to the high quality of the workmanship of your decorating, reflected in your detailed knowledge of the materials and techniques, and in the efficient and friendly way in which you have carried out work for myself. I have no hesitation in recommending your services to anyone and fully intend to propose your services to my own clients.
by Mr A Major RIBA
We are a GP surgery with a large purpose built premises and this year have undergone an extensive decorating programme. We found Howes an excellent organisation to do business with. They have organised the project with minimum disruption to the service. They have worked with us at every stage to establish a convenient time to carry out work for the benefit of both patients and clinicians. Their work has been thorough, of excellent quality and on time. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to other NHS establishments.
by L Crawshaw, Practice Manager
I would like to take this opportunity to say how pleased we are with the kitchen and compliment you not only on the workmanship but also the cleanliness. We would certainly recommend you to anyone as and when the occasion arises. Our thanks once again
by Mr M Hearn
I would like to record my thanks for the very prompt action to repaint a flat during the short period when it was vacant. This is an essential requirement for rented properties. You completed the work to a high standard and very quickly. Thank you
by K Day
I was delighted with Gavin! Ten out of ten! He did a beautiful job and i would definitely recommend him, in fact i am currently planning my next job for him!!
by Nicola
During the time you were decorating the entire interior of our house you were a joy to have around. Points that stand out are
1. the painting was of superior quality and the cutting in of all the studs and beams was perfect.
2. every evening the furniture replaced as far as possible and all your paraphernalia neatly stored
3. any dust and debris removed every day.
Please thank your colleagues; an expert, hardworking, trustworthy team.
by Mrs J Garnham
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