Press Releases
Repainting the Future
2007
Ever heard of Community RePaint? If you have unwanted reuseable paint then you should! They provide an outlet for this paint while helping local communities and individuals.
Community RePaint has been supported and sponsored by ICI paints since it started in 1993 and forms part of ICI Paints' product stewardship programme.
Research carried out by Resource Futures shows that Community RePaint UK's network of 69 community groups redistributed over 200,000 litres of paint in 2006 (up 37% from 2005), with a market value of ?800,000, to 10,600 individuals and families in social need plus local charities, voluntary and community groups.
Here?s how it works:
Leftover paint is donated to Community RePaint groups by members of the public at household waste recycling centres. Plus end-of-line and surplus paints are given by DIY retailers, paint manufacturers painters and decorators. The paint is then offered to local charities and individuals in social need for a small donation towards operating costs (or even free of charge). The day-to-day running of the Community RePaint network also provides employment, volunteer and work experience and training opportunities. Last year it supported 90 part-time jobs, 140 volunteer positions plus 150 training courses, several accredited to NVQ, or City and Guild level, assisting the long-term unemployed and people with learning disabilities back into paid employment.
Who?s benefited?
Here are just two examples of those who have benefited from Community RePaint:
Glastonbury Festival
If you were at Glastonbury Festival this year you may have come across one of these colourfully decorated recycling bins. Old oil drums were re-used to collect recycling and rubbish from festival goers.
Grove Adventure Playground
Thanks to Community RePaint this adventure playground in North London is now a brighter happier place for children to play.
Community RePaint really is good news all round. To find out how you can dispose of leftover paint free of charge, visit www.communityrepaint.org.uk
Fact: Last year 400 million litres of paint (retail and trade) were sold in the UK. It is estimated that about 80 million litres remain unused.
