17 Ways to Save Money—And the Planet

PAINT

When Silvia starts decorating, Michelle advises her to avoid conventional paint containing VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The concern over VOCs is both environmental (they contribute to air pollution and some VOCs are greenhouse gases) and personal (they give off fumes at room temperature). Zero-VOC paint is now comparable in price to premium conventional paint ($35 to $50 per gallon). Recommended non-VOC options: Benjamin Moore Natura, Sherwin-Williams Harmony, AFM Safecoat.