Green Tip of the Day

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If you are unable to use all your paint for a particular project or if you choose to keep a small amount of paint for touch ups or smaller projects, you will need to store the leftover paint so it remains usable. Leftover paint can last for years, however, the key to this is making sure the paint can is well sealed and stored in an appropriate location.

Cover the opening of the paint can with plastic wrap before closing the lid. This will help create an additional seal when the can is closed.
Use a mallet instead of a hammer to close a paint can, creating a good seal. Hammers can dent and bend the rim of the paint can, causing a poor seal. Mallets are gentler. By placing a small towel over the paint can lid and gently using a mallet to tap the lid closed, you will avoid damaging the rim.
Store the paint can upside down to create a tight seal around the lid. Generally this prevents air from entering the paint can so the paint will not dry out. Some local programs discourage this practice because if the paint goes bad, you may end up with a large chunk of paint on the lid making it difficult to open. Check with your local recycling or collection program for recommendations.
Store paint away from extreme heat and cold. Extremes in temperature will spoil paint and make it unusable. Keep away from freezing and hot temperatures in garages and sheds. Hot temperatures near furnaces and direct sunlight can also affect the quality of leftover paint. Store in a cool, dry area.
Write on the lid of each paint can the date opened, the color, brand and the room it is for. This will help you locate paint needed for touch ups and future purchases, as well as identifying paint that is no longer needed and can be donated and reused, or properly disposed of due to its age.
Leave the original label on the paint can. By leaving the original label on the paint can, you will alleviate any questions as to the type of paint in the can should you try to donate the paint for reuse (through an exchange program) or for disposal at a local collection event.
Do not pour anything else in the paint. No matter how you use or dispose of the leftover paint, do not contaminate it by pouring anything else into the can. If contaminated, the paint will be difficult to donate or dispose of properly.
Store paint in a safe location. Keep leftover paint in a location out of reach of children and pets.

Tips courtesy Earth911.org

Green Tip of the Day

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Those energy saving CFL light bulbs you’re being urged to switch to? Did you know they contain a small amount of mercury? Here’s what to do when they burn out, courtesy of Energystar.com

What should I do with a CFL when it burns out?

EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for compact fluorescent light bulbs. EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S. retailers to expand recycling and disposal options. Consumers can contact their local municipal solid waste agency directly, or go to www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.earth911.org to identify local recycling options.

If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the bulb in two plastic bags and put it into the outside trash, or other protected outside location, for the next normal trash collection. CFLs should not be disposed of in an incinerator.

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have a warranty. If the bulb has failed within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.

Green Tip of the Day

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Re-thinking how your child’s meal gets packed can reduce trash going to landfills and has some unexpected benefits.

Simple ways to pack a trash-free lunch:

Send food in re-usable lunchboxes instead of paper bags (Also, remember if using a soft lunchbox that contains “PVC”, consider testing the bag for lead).
Instead of plastic wrap, foil or baggies, pack food in re-usable plastic containers.
Consider buying foods in bulk or in larger boxes and packing a portion in re-usable plastic containers.
Send drinks in a shatterproof thermos, a re-usable drink container (some are available with ice cores built into the bottle) or send in bottled water and recycle the bottle when it returns home.
Try cloth napkins, or re-usable silverware that can be washed at home.

In addition to feeling good about reducing trash, a few added benefits are:

Parents save money. Individually wrapped goodies and drinks are premium-priced, often up to 50 percent higher.
Parents see leftovers. “Hmm, the healthy sandwich has one bite taken, and every cookie disappeared.” And, many kids snack on leftovers after school.
Healthier food choices. Your food and drink options are limitless when you pack in re-usable containers and don’t rely on pre-packaged items, which tend to be processed foods.

Tips courtesy Earth911.org

Green Tip of the Day

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If there is a recycling program in your community, give it a try. In most programs, you can recycle newspapers, beverage containers, paper and other goods. Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your home helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal.