| Take extra measures to ensure your painting project | | | | a solid waste, remove the lid to allow the water or |
| is an environmentally safe experience. The best | | | | solvents to evaporate. Do this in an area where |
| quality acrylic paints are products that contain low or | | | | children cannot tamper with it. |
| no volatile organic compounds (otherwise known as | | | | Hold off on cleaning tools immediately. |
| VOCs). These products reduce the emissions of | | | | For projects that will take more than a day to |
| VOCs into the home which improves indoor air quality | | | | complete, try wrapping your tools in a plastic bag for |
| and reduces urban smog. Check the labels on the | | | | reuse instead of cleaning them at the end of each |
| cans for LEED certification to ensure you are using a | | | | day. The tools will last overnight or even a few days |
| low VOC product. LEED certified products are | | | | if kept out of the sun. |
| considered "green" or "environmentally-friendly." | | | | Scrape the paint. |
| Following are tips for "green" painting: | | | | Upon completion of your project, scrape any excess |
| Use all the paint. | | | | paint from the can, latex rollers and brushes with a |
| When possible, use every ounce of paint you buy. | | | | stir stick or wall scraper. Doing so prior to washing will |
| The extra coat will provide walls with more | | | | make them easier to clean and is easier on the |
| protection. Or, ask a friend, family member, or | | | | environment. When washing equipment, be sure to |
| neighbor if they could use some extra paint for a | | | | do so in a sink or similar drain so it is treated instead |
| small project. | | | | of ending up in the ground and in our drinking water. |
| Seal it tightly. | | | | Use quality water-based acrylic-latex paints. |
| Any unused paint should be stored in tightly sealed | | | | Pure acrylic latex paints are more |
| cans and placed upside down to help maintain the | | | | environmentally-friendly since they contain low levels |
| seal. Don't pour leftover paint down the drain. | | | | of solvents. If using a water-based paint over an old |
| Dispose of paint properly. | | | | solvent-based paint, be sure to follow the instructions |
| To dispose of paint, convert it to a solid waste then | | | | for surface preparation which generally involves a |
| dispose of it with your regular trash. To convert it to | | | | good cleaning and a light sanding. |