One Small Step: Smart Paint Disposal

Before the holidays many families try to spruce up the old homestead with fresh paint (both exterior and interior). But what to do with left-over paint? Toss it?

Nope; paint poured into your drains or outside will harm streams, groundwater supplies and soil due to runoff and chemicals. Not to mention; if you pour it outside, animals and kids may find it and get sick.

• The best first step would be to use safer, less toxic paints. One of my favorite magazines, Mother Earth News had a wonderful article last year that discussed earth-friendly paints including how to make your own. There’s also a full gallery of photos.

• If you do a lot of painting save your leftovers. Unless you’re using key-lime for everything (please say no) than all your old paints mixed together will tend to create a dullish gray color can be re-used as a primer for other projects.
• Use it up. Let the kids use it with small brushes for art, paint birdhouses or bookshelves; donate it to a school or community center.
• Give it to a hazardous waste collection organization. Ask your local trash or recycling program where to go.
• Bulk paint is no bargain. I very rarely say, “Don’t buy in bulk” but anything that’s toxic is going to be something I do say that about. If you only need to paint the porch rails, don’t buy a gallon because it’s less money per unit. That’s not a bargain for the planet.

What small green steps do you take when decorating?