How to make finishes more sustainable

 
Try and find paints and varnishes which are solvent free


AGLAIA Paints, oils, waxes and metal protection products are based on traditional formulations that have been further developed to minimise the impact on the environment, to have no adverse impact on our health, and allow buildings to breathe more easily. http://naturalpaintsonline.co.uk/ 
Consider using organic paints.  Companies such as ECOS Organic paints - www.ecospaints.com/index.htm sell solvent free paints, wood stains and varnishes
Nutshell natural paints are made from natural raw materials. Their paints offer a healthy and environmentally friendly consumer choice to the many harmful products which dominate the commercial paint market. They  take a holistic view of all the issues involved in sourcing materials, manufacture, application and disposal. (www.nutshellpaints.com)