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“Green” Painting Tips
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Paints, Stains, and Varnishes can add color to your home, perk up a drab room or transform a piece of
furniture. But did you know that paint and paint-related products may be harmful to the environment when they are disposed?
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Paints and related products contribute to air pollution.
And, if they are poured down the drain or put in a landfill, paint products con pollute our groundwater. Never throw liquid paint products into your trash. In addition, paint products can
irritate your eyes and skin and may be harmful if inhaled.
To
learn more
about how to
safely store, use
and dispose
of household
hazardous
materials
request your
free
Household
Hazardous
Waste
Wheel.
Click
here to
request your
HHW Wheel.
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Tips to reduce paint related waste
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Buy Wisely
- Measure the area
you are painting to determine the amount of paint you need. A typical gallon of paint covers about 400 square feet, although coverage varies by brand and surface to be painted.
- Purchase the right type of paint.
Check the label to make sure the product is suited for your project.
- Use latex paint
if possible. It is less harmful to the environment than oil based paint. The words “alkyd” or “oil-based” indicate that the paint is oil-based. “Soap and water” clean up instructions indicate latex paint.
- Purchase recycled paint
if it is available in your area.
- Use it all.
Don’t buy more than you need. Save money and reduce waste by knowing how much to
buy.
- Since
your
garbage
hauler
cannot
accept
liquids,
take
the
lids
off
your
old
paint
cans
to
solidify
the
remaining
paint;
for
liquids
that
don't
solidify
such
as
thinners
add
kitty
litter
or
shredded
newspapers
to
absorb
the
liquid.
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