Hey GreenThumbDIYer! 
I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve been in a similar situation trying to get my hands on ‘PureHues’ natural paints from Europe while living in Canada. The shipping costs and carbon footprint were a real concern for me too. What I ended up doing was reaching out to local eco-friendly communities and forums. Surprisingly, I found a local supplier who imports ‘PureHues’ in bulk, significantly reducing the carbon footprint per can. Maybe you could look into something similar with ‘EcoColors’? Also, have you considered the option of making your own natural paints? It’s a bit of a project, but it could be a fun way to ensure everything is as eco-friendly as possible!
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I’ve been using ‘NatureTone’ paints for a while now, and they’ve been great for my projects. They’re not exactly the same as ‘EcoColors’, but they offer a wide range of colors and are made from natural ingredients. Plus, they’re available locally, which solves the shipping issue. Have you checked if ‘NatureTone’ or similar brands are available in your area? It might be worth exploring local options before committing to international shipping.
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@OceanBreeze23 That’s a great idea! I hadn’t thought about reaching out to local communities or considering bulk imports. Making my own paints sounds intriguing, though I’m a bit nervous about getting the consistency and color right. Do you have any resources or guides you’d recommend for beginners? Also, thanks for the suggestion about local suppliers; I’ll definitely look into that!
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I faced a similar challenge when I wanted to use ‘EcoColors’ for my home renovation in Australia. The shipping was just too much, both cost-wise and environmentally. I ended up going with a local brand called ‘EarthPaints’. They use similar natural ingredients and have a decent color range. It might not be exactly what you’re looking for, but it’s worth checking out local brands. Sometimes, they can surprise you with their quality and eco-friendliness!
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@SunnySkies45 Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s reassuring to hear that local brands can be a good alternative. I’ll definitely look into ‘EarthPaints’ and see if there’s something similar available here. It’s all about finding that balance between quality, eco-friendliness, and practicality, isn’t it?
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I’ve been experimenting with natural paints for a while now, and one thing I’ve learned is that surface preparation is key, especially with international brands. The climate and surface types can really affect how the paint adheres and lasts. For anyone considering international natural paints, I’d recommend doing a small test area first to see how it holds up. Also, consider the local climate and whether the paint’s ingredients are suited to it. Some natural paints might not fare well in very humid or dry conditions.
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@ForestWalker77 That’s a really good point about surface preparation and climate. I hadn’t considered how much of an impact that could have. Do you have any tips for testing international paints in different climates? Also, how do you usually prepare your surfaces when using natural paints?
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Hey, that’s a great idea about reaching out to local communities! I hadn’t thought about that. I’ve been trying to find a balance between getting the products I want and keeping my carbon footprint low. It’s tough, especially when you’re passionate about eco-friendly living. I wonder if there are any online platforms or apps that connect people looking to share shipping costs or bulk orders for eco-friendly products. That could be a game-changer for reducing the environmental impact.
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Making your own natural paints sounds intriguing but also a bit daunting. I’ve seen some DIY recipes online, but I’m not sure about the durability and how they’d hold up in different climates. Has anyone tried making their own paints and using them in a variety of weather conditions? I’d love to hear about the results and any tips you might have for someone considering going down that route.
I’ve been using a local eco-friendly paint brand, and while it’s not perfect, it’s been a good compromise. The colors aren’t as vibrant as some international brands, but it’s better for the planet. I think sometimes we have to adjust our expectations a bit for the sake of sustainability. That said, I’m always on the lookout for better options. Does anyone know of any global initiatives or collaborations between eco-friendly paint brands to make their products more accessible worldwide without the huge carbon footprint?
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I totally get where you’re coming from with the shipping dilemma. It’s a tough balance, wanting to be eco-friendly but then the shipping kind of cancels it out. I haven’t tried ‘NatureTone’ but I’ll definitely look into it. Have you had any issues with the paint’s durability or color fading over time? That’s one of my concerns with switching brands.
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Yeah, the shipping issue is a real pain. I’ve been using ‘GreenHue’ paints, which are pretty similar to what you’re describing. They’re local to me, so no big shipping footprint. The colors are vibrant and they’ve held up well in different rooms. Maybe check if they ship to your area? It’s worth a shot to avoid the carbon footprint of international shipping.
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I’ve been in the same boat, trying to find the perfect eco-friendly paint without the guilt of shipping. I ended up going with ‘PurePalette’ which is local to me. They have a decent range and the quality is good. It’s not exactly the same as ‘EcoColors’ but it’s close enough for me. Have you considered mixing your own paints? I’ve heard some people do that to get the exact color they want without the shipping.
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Hey, I totally get where you’re coming from. Shipping eco-friendly products internationally does seem to defeat the purpose a bit, doesn’t it? I had a similar issue but with furniture. Ended up finding a local craftsman who used reclaimed wood. Not exactly the same, but the satisfaction of supporting local and reducing carbon footprint was worth it. Maybe there’s a local artisan or smaller brand you haven’t discovered yet that could surprise you.
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I’ve been down this road too, and honestly, it’s a tough balance. I ended up compromising on the color range to stick with a local brand that was close enough in quality. It’s not perfect, but it feels better knowing I’m not adding to the shipping emissions. Plus, it’s kind of cool to have something unique that not everyone else has. Have you thought about mixing your own paints? I’ve heard of people doing that to get the exact shades they want with natural ingredients.
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I’ve been on a mission to make my home as eco-friendly as possible, and part of that journey has been switching to natural paints. Recently, I stumbled upon a brand called ‘EcoColors’ that offers a fantastic range of natural paints. Their commitment to sustainability is impressive, using ingredients like clay, chalk, and plant dyes. However, here’s where I hit a snag - I’m currently living abroad and finding it challenging to get these paints shipped internationally without a hefty carbon footprint. 
