By now you have probably figured out that it is far easier to do the right thing from the beginning than it is to undo the wrong thing.

Take paint for example: Did you know the EPA estimates that 64 million gallons of paint are diverted away from landfills and incinerators thanks to responsible disposal and recycling? The only problem is that the EPA also estimates it could cost close to $500 million to keep a handle on all that incoming paint.

Yikes!

A better alternative for safeguarding Mother Earth from toxic oil-based paints is to start out on the right foot from stroke one.

California Paints has recently unveiled its new Elements Zero VOC interior paint line and its Envirotech Zero VOC commercial-grade paint line. Both product lines are GreenWise certified and LEED Compliant, and - as the name suggests - are free of nasty VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which have long been used in paints to help ward off pesky microbes, like mold and mildew, but which play a significant role in contributing to the planet’s greenhouse gases. These two eco-friendly paint lines, boast Microban technology, also known for keeping paint (even in the bathroom) free of mold and other stains.

That’s that kind of news that can brighten your day, not to mention your walls.