Plastic Paint + Health

Understand the toxic ingredients in conventional paints and their impacts on indoor air quality, human health, and ecosystems.

Beyond VOCs

Understand the limits of VOC labels and learn to identify the full range of harmful chemicals in plastic-based paints.

Safer Alternatives

Compare synthetic with mineral and plant-based paints, and gain the tools to source, specify and install the healthier choices.

“As designers, we have a responsibility to reimagine our interior and exterior environments to be healthier, and create a platform for a more sustainable world. We owe this to ourselves and our future generations.”

- Mina, Interior Designer

WHO SHOULD ENROLL

Architects, Interior Designers, and Product Designers

Gain strategies for selecting materials and designing spaces that prioritize human well-being and environmental health.

Manufacturers and Material Researchers

Learn how to develop toxic-free materials and products that align with the Global Sustainability Goals.

Policy Makers, Sustainability Advocates, and Anyone Interested in a Sustainable Future

Understand the latest research and solutions to influence policies and drive meaningful change.

CURRICULUM

7 Chapters · 16 Lessons

  1. 1

    HEALTHY INTERIORS: CHOOSING SUSTAINABLE PAINTS

    1. INTRODUCTION Free preview
    2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Free preview
  2. 2

    WHY PAINT?

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      What's in Paint? The Hidden Health Risks

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The Toxic Lifecycle of Paint: From Production to Plastic Pollution

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Mineral Paints: Built to Last and Beautiful

  3. 3

    BENEFITS OF LIME, MINERAL, AND PLANT PAINTS

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The Proven Power of Lime and Mineral Paints

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Why Linseed Oil Paint Outperforms Plastic Paints

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Health Answers are in a Paint’s Ingredients

  4. 4

    KEY COMPONENTS OF PAINT

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Breaking Down Paint: The Four Elements You Need to Know

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Beyond VOCs

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Pigments and the Toxic Legacy of Color

  5. 5

    HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Environmental Damage and Community Risks

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Healthier Alternatives and Indoor Air Quality Impacts

  6. 6

    POST PETROLEUM PAINT

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Historical Practices and Natural Ingredients

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Modern Applications and Performance Benefits

  7. 7

    HOW WE SUPPORT YOU!

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Resources to Shape your Future

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Our instructors are a diverse group of practicing interior designers, architects, and material experts who bring years of experience and innovative building knowledge to Masterclass.

Jonsara Ruth

As Executive Director and co-founder of Healthy Materials Lab, Jonsara leads research and design focused on circular, low-carbon materials and healthier interiors. She is a Founding Director of the MFA Interior Design program at Parsons School of Design. She is ASID- and IIDA-accredited.

Leila Behjat

As Director of Material Ecology at Healthy Materials Lab, Leila advances circular renovation strategies and healthier material practices across architecture and interiors. She holds a Diplom-Ingenieur (M.Arch) in Architecture and is training with the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

Catherine Murphy

As Director of Education at Healthy Materials Lab, Catherine leads curriculum development and teaches strategies for healthier, regenerative design. Her design practice focuses on renovation, reuse, and human & environmental health. She holds an MFA in Interior Design and an Hons. degree in Fine Craft Design.

The future is built on the actions we take today.

Enroll to learn how to improve indoor air quality, reduce toxic exposure to paint, and lead the shift toward climate-smart design.

$75.00

Enroll now Free preview

Resources to Design a Healthier Future

We are Healthy Materials Lab, a design research lab at Parsons School of Design. We’re here to help you design and build healthier homes, communities and environments.