Byron Bay

Plenty of people come to Byron to paint the town red, but everyone knows that Byron is green. The Byron region is Australia's hub for sustainability, and there are many innovative businesses that pride themselves on environmentally friendly products and services.

A number of businesses are literally making it their mission to paint the town green, and they are keen to teach you how to do it too! Byron is home to one of Australia's greenest paint companies. It uses waste oil and turns it into non-toxic paint products. This technology was developed right here in Byron, and saves hundreds of tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Other Byron paint shops specialise in unique natural paint products made from clay and plant oils.

In 2009 a new Course in Natural Painting was developed to improve awareness of sustainable products amongst painting contractors.

The course has been developed by GreenPainters Training, and is the first of its kind in Australia. It is also aimed at helping DIYs learn how to use natural finishes for healthier interiors.
‘Natural paint products are the most sustainable coatings available, says Daniel Wurm, Managing Director of GreenPainters. ‘They are manufactured using renewable or highly abundant resources, and this is important when you consider that conventional paints are manufactured from petroleum by-products. We are really excited by the development of the course. We believe it is the first time these issues have been addressed in our industry, and we are proud that it was developed in Byron Shire.'

With the recent push toward eco-consciousness, many consumers and tradesmen have become more aware of the consequences of using conventional paint systems. Consumers are demanding less toxic products, but may need assistance in making sustainable choices.

"We have found that many consumers want to use products that are suitable for use around people with allergies, or children," says Mr Wurm. "Natural paint products usually offer a full ingredients disclosure, which helps consumers make informed choices. Consumers will be able to have their house or building painted with natural products that have a low environmental impact."

" It's no longer about price; it's about what the consumer wants, and the environment needs", comments Mr Wurm. "You can have any color as long as it's 'green'! Using natural paints doesn't mean you can't have the latest fashion colours."

The one-day course also focuses on waste-water and environmental management. The first course will be run at the Byron Region Community College. Register at www.greenpainters.com.au

GreenPainters is a non-profit program, established to provide advice, knowledge and skills to help the painting industry go green. Their web-site www.greenpainters.com.au provides objective summaries of sustainable paints and coatings, and information to help builders and renovators achieve the look they want while being environmentally sensitive and health-conscious. Painters that complete the training may be listed on the web-site.
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If you would like more information about this topic or you would like to arrange an interview, please contact Daniel Wurm on 0402 312234, or email admin@greenpainters.com.au