Unveil new “Sustainable ME” Girl Scout Patch 
News Release
Today, the Girl Scouts of Maine and the Natural Resources Council of Maine announced and unveiled a new program— the first ever “Sustainable Maine” patch—to be earned by Girl Scouts who take personal actions toward a more sustainable future.
This year’s goal is for Girl Scouts to increase awareness about safely recycling paint in Maine for free at 94 convenient drop-off locations across the state, through Maine’s new PaintCare program. It is free for everyone, regardless of when or where you bought paint.
The PaintCare program began in 2015, and many Mainers are not yet aware of this new, free paint recycling opportunity, and still have old, used paint cans piled up in their basements and garages.
“We are pleased to partner with the Girl Scouts to help protect Maine’s environment,” says Lisa Pohlmann, Executive Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine and former Girl Scout. “Through the patch program this year, Maine Girl Scouts can help raise awareness about how to put unused paint to good use, while keeping valuable resources out of our landfills.”
The Sustainable Maine Patch Program lets Girl Scouts choose from a variety of activities that help them discover, connect, and take action in their communities. Activities include touring a recycling facility, creating and distributing flyers, delivering presentations, and contacting their legislators to thank them for supporting the PaintCare program.
“Girl Scouts inspires girls to be active and engaged citizens who contribute in meaningful ways to make their communities, and their world, a better place,” says Joanne Crepeau, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Maine. “We are proud to have such an important partnership with NCRM to give Girl Scouts in Maine another opportunity to develop the strong core values we offer in Girl Scouts.”
The PaintCare program helps protect human health and the environment, and also saves money for Maine taxpayers by eliminating the need for municipally funded paint collection events.
“We are proud to be part of the Paint Care Program and be the local drop-off site for our customers and our community,” says Tim Currier, general manager of Maine Hardware. “We enjoy helping make our community better whenever possible and it gives us a chance to meet new people when they drop off unused paint. They often make a purchase before they leave.”
In its first full year, Maine’s PaintCare program processed 94,281 gallons of post-consumer paint. Latex paint made up 91% of the total paint; 83% was made into recycled-content paint and only 17% was unrecyclable and sent to landfill. Oil-based paint made up nine percent of the total paint. All of the oil-based paint was used for fuel. In addition, 71 tons of metal and plastic containers were recycled. The PaintCare program exists in seven other states (and Washington, DC).
