Habitat for Humanity has always impressed me with their dedication to building and supporting affordable housing for hard-working, low-income families. But the latest endeavor of the Lehigh Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore is perhaps an even greater achievement.
What could possibly be greater than affordable housing for those in need? How about helping the world become a better place for future generations! That’s what has been accomplished through the ReStore’s Re|Mix latex paint recycling program. I am not just talking about a safe practice for dealing with a product that could be harmful to the environment if not dealt with properly, I am talking about taking usable, leftover latex paint and turning it into high-quality recycled latex paint that is available in 17 colors!
As an interior designer and fine artist who has studied color theory, I really had to wrap my head around the concept that is was feasible to take any color of latex paint, and through careful separation into specific color combination recipes, mix them into a new color palette. These are beautiful, “designer-approved” colors offered at an affordable price.
The Latex paint Exchange, LLC of Rockland, MA developed the revolutionary recycling system that the Habitat ReStore is using to process the donated latex paint and produce a new product labeled “reColor” latex paint. What’s even better is the recycled latex paint is sold at the Lehigh Valley ReStore, with the profits from the program going back into supporting the ReStore and the efforts of Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley!
Post-consumer latex paint is a common product with very few options of disposal and educational resources for consumers. Sadly, many people don’t take the time to dispose of their leftover latex paint properly and it ends up in our water systems. (I’ve always used the kitty litter option, which dries up the latex paint so it can be disposed of as a solid material.) But now that I know this option is available, I will be the first on the dontation line! Collection events will be held throughout the year at various location. The next event is February 6, 2016.
Latex paint donations are not accepted at the ReStore, only at the collection event sites.
- February 6, 2016 from 9-12PM held at the Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore
- For Northampton residents only: March 5, 2016 from 9-12pm at Township Recycling Center, Morgan Hill Rd, Easton, PA 18042
- April 2, 2016 from 9-12pm at the Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore
- For Northampton residents only: May 7, 2016 from 9-12pm at Washington Township Elementary School, 381 Washington Blvd, Bangor, PA 18013
- For Northampton residents only: August 6, 2016 from 9-12pm at Public Works Friedenstahl Garage, 155 Friedenstahl Ave, Nazareth, PA 18064
- For Northampton residents only: September 3, 2016 from 9-12pm at 3640 Jacksonville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017
- October 1, 2016 from 9-12pm at Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore
- For Northampton residents only: November 5, 2016 from 9-12pm at Tatamy Borough
For more information and to see all the colors, finishes and specifications, visit the Lehigh Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore website at www.habitatlvrestore.org.
