Many Gwinnett County residents lined up to donate paint at GPC’s 12th annual Earth Day event at Coolray field.

By Eric Mock

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA–On April 22, 2023, Global Paint for Charity successfully hosted its 12th annual Earth Day Recycling event at Coolray Field. This event brought together dozens of enthusiastic volunteers who, together with Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and the Gwinnett County Solid Waste Division, collected an impressive 28,000 pounds of paint. The event showcased the power of collective action in safeguarding our environment and supporting underserved communities.

Global Paint for Charity’s Earth Day Recycling event has become an eagerly anticipated tradition, attracting volunteers from all walks of life who share a passion for environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Global Paint for Charity volunteers and Gwinnett County workers expected to collect thousands of gallons of paint in just a few hours. And this year’s event did not disappoint, with Gwinnett County residents donating a staggering 28,000 pounds of paint (approximately 2,500 gallons), a testament to the dedication of Gwinnett County government, its residents and our volunteers to the planet.

Executive Director of Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Schelly Marlatt said the following about the event, “It takes all of us to collectively work together to save our planet, no matter what corner of the world we live in. Events such as Earth Day are a great way to repurpose items that you no longer need that can be used by someone else – whether it be paint recycled into different colors and shipped to countries who couldn’t otherwise afford paint, to recycling textiles which are made into other items such as mattresses, insulation, and more. Saving landfill space and precious resources, limiting waste are among the immediate wins but by recycling these items, it also creates jobs, boosts the economy and more. It truly is a win-win-win!”

Marlatt went on to say, “Global Paint for Charity has been a long-standing community partner in helping Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful further our mission of connecting people and resources for a sustainable Gwinnett and as Executive Director, I could not be more thankful to have GPC not only as a sustainability partner, but a friend who shares the same philosophy in wanting to create a world with less waste and leaving it brighter and more colorful for future generations.”

Simultaneously Supporting the Environment and Underserved Communities:

Global Paint for Charity’s mission goes beyond environmental conservation; it also aims to assist underserved communities through the responsible management and redistribution of paint resources. By collecting unused or unwanted paint, the organization prevents harmful chemicals from contaminating landfills and water sources, while also making a positive difference in the lives of those in need. The collected paint will be sorted, processed, and distributed to community centers, schools, and non-profit organizations that lack the resources to afford paint for their projects. This event exemplifies the organization’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for both the environment and communities facing economic challenges.

The Power of Paint Recycling:

Paint recycling is a vital component of environmental conservation efforts. When disposed of improperly, paint can seep into the soil and water, releasing harmful chemicals that pose a risk to human health and ecosystems. By recycling paint, we reduce waste, conserve valuable resources, and minimize pollution. Global Paint for Charity’s commitment to paint recycling provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses to actively contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.

The success of Global Paint for Charity’s Earth Day Recycling event highlights the urgent need for increased national support for initiatives like this. By providing financial and logistical assistance, governments, corporations and individuals can play a crucial role in expanding the reach and impact of our paint recycling program. That support ensures we can all build a more sustainable future for generations to come. If you or your organization want to be part of this global movement, contact Global Paint for Charity at 855-853-7772 or at info@globalpaints.org.

Global Paint for Charity’s 12th Earth Day Recycling event was a resounding success, as demonstrated by the impressive collection of 28,000 pounds of paint by dedicated volunteers and Gwinnett County workers. By recycling paint, GPC not only protects the environment from hazardous waste, but also supports underserved communities in need of paint resources around the globe. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible paint disposal and the positive impact that collective action can have on our planet.