NEWS & NEW
MetroPaint Recycled Latex Now Certified Earth-friendly
MetroPaint, the Northwest’s only 100% recycled latex paint, has received the first-ever recycled paint certification from Green Seal™, an independent environmental standards certifying organization. Green Seal approval means that MetroPaint 100% Recycled Latex has undergone extensive environmental and performance testing.
In addition, MetroPaint received certification from the Master Painters Institute (MPI), the leading paint performance certification organization in North America. MPI standards for recycled paint are the same as for new paint. However, MPI requires recycled paint to be sampled and tested numerous times to ensure the high standards are met.
“The Green Seal and MPI certifications assure buyers that MetroPaint 100% Recycled Latex is environmentally-friendly and performs as well as new paint,” said Jim Quinn, Metro’s Hazardous Waste Program Manager. “It’s a win-win situation for consumers.”
To achieve the Green Seal certification, MetroPaint 100% Recycled Latex had to meet stringent environmental standards, including that it contain at least 95% post-consumer content, be filtered to 300 microns or finer, that no harmful ingredients be added, that every batch be tested under strict quality control measures, and that the empty paint cans be recycled.
“MetroPaint completes the environmental loop,” said Metro Councilor Rod Park, who chairs Metro’s Solid Waste Rate Review Committee. “The program not only makes use of left-over paint that would otherwise end up in the waste stream, it also employs earth-friendly manufacturing and packing standards throughout the process.”
Paintbrush That Cleans in Seconds!
A main concern for every painter when choosing a paintbrush is how well it does the job. Painters can be fiercely loyal to brands such as Purdy because they are known and produce dependable results.
A professional painter for over 20 years, John Geigle had exactly the same concern when he set out to make a new paintbrush that solves a fundamental flaw of even the best brushes: how well they cleaned-up.
The EZ Clean Paint Brush, located in Vancouver, WA, flushes the brush clean from the inside out, forcing paint away from the hard-to-reach heel of the brush by running water through its hollow handle. The cap at the end of the handle unscrews to connect the brush with a standard garden hose. Simply turn the water on gently and massage the bristles, and the brush will be completely clean in under a minute.
They sent this publisher one to try. The handle thickness didn’t prove to be awkward, and I quickly forgot about it as I painted a rough-cut piece of cedar. DIYer and not a pro, I liked the brush. Truthfully, I really wanted to see if it lived-up to its claim of clean in a minute: It did, and in less than a minute.
EZ Clean Paint Brushes come in five sizes from 2” to 4” with either straight or angle shapes, for a total of 10 different brushes. You can find more information about the brushes at www.EZPaintTools.com. EZ Clean Paint Brushes can be ordered online and shipped anywhere in the U.S. Prices range from $9.99 - $14.99.
Ecologically Sound Insulation
Air Krete® is an all natural formaldehyde-free insulation whose material components are air, water, and magnesium oxide-based cement, making it a thermally efficient, environmentally responsible, nontoxic alternative to cellulose, fiberglass and blown foams. Without any petroleum-based expanding agents, it does not adversely affect either the environment or indoor air quality. With no organic materials, it doesn’t mold, rot, or invite insects. It also offers good sound absorption and is fireproof.
Air krete is made up of tiny magnesium oxide bubbles which encapsulate atmospheric air. Magnesium oxide is a natural sustainable mineral made from brine (salt-water), used for centuries to make fire bricks. Magnesium oxide is also used as a vitamin supplement in many multi-vitamins.
Air Krete can be installed in a new or existing home. When applied properly, it goes on with the consistency of shaving cream. After a day, it hardens into stable, lightweight foam that maintains a long-lasting high-insulation value. Developed over 15 years ago, Air Krete’s installation techniques and efficacy are time-tested and field-proven. For more information and a home evaluation call Tri-Cord Enterprises at 503-640-9510 in Portland, OR.
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