PR Environmental Education Awareness Foundation Inc.
1-800-484-5228
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PREEA workshop—cleaning paint rollers outdoors
Volunteer education—micro-plastics awareness
Community table—PREEA Roller Cleaner kits
Together we can

Keep paint rollers out of landfills & micro-plastics out of waterways

Soon-to-launch education programs and our PREEA Roller Cleaner help homes, schools, and contractors clean and reuse responsibly, backed by a Founder/CEO who takes no salary, full transparency, and measurable outcomes.

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Our Mission

Future education efforts that reduce micro-plastics from latex paint.

Our mission is to educate the public about the micro-plastics in latex paint, and the proper way to clean their paint rollers and paint brushes using PREEA Roller Cleaner. Many of you are currently cleaning your paint rollers and paintbrushes in a sink which eventually gets into the waterways where fish and shrimp, etc., consume the micro-plastics that are in latex paint. It is better to clean the rollers and brushes using PREEA Roller Cleaner outside as this dilutes the paint with water causing it to DRY SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. We are actively building the expanded education programs that will deliver this guidance at scale.

These tiny plastic particles, often invisible to the naked eye, accumulate in aquatic ecosystems and enter the food chain, ultimately affecting human health. Studies have shown that micro-plastics can carry toxic chemicals and disrupt biological processes in marine life, preventing harmful runoff into storm drains and water treatment facilities that are not equipped to filter out these microscopic pollutants.

Scientific research has revealed that the average person may ingest thousands of micro-plastic particles annually through contaminated food and water sources. These particles have been detected in human organs, raising serious concerns about long-term health impacts including inflammation, cellular damage, and potential links to chronic diseases. Every small action we take today creates a ripple effect that protects future generations from the accumulating burden of plastic pollution.

Referring to a recent editorial page of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, “In plastics battle, with some education,” we are informed about the importance of education in reducing waste, the significant damage to the environment caused by micro-plastics, and now micro-plastics have been found in air, water, food and now — in human blood. We can do our part in eliminating this problem so that the environment is safer for our sons and daughters and their grandchildren, and their children.

This innovative tool represents a practical, affordable solution that empowers individuals to make environmentally responsible choices without sacrificing quality or convenience. By distributing these units free of charge to communities, schools, and contractors as programs launch, we're removing financial barriers to sustainable practices and demonstrating that environmental stewardship can be both simple and effective.

We will purchase the units from the manufacturer and give to the public, PREEA Roller Cleaner. To help the environment, please see our Frequently Asked Questions. Any questions please call 1-800-484-5228, or email preeafoundation@yahoo.com. DLN: 26053533006039.

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Our History

From trades experience to a simple, scalable solution.

The environmental impact of paint roller disposal extends far beyond what most people realize. Each year, millions of paint rollers end up in landfills across the country, where they can take 200-500 years to fully decompose. During this slow degradation process, the plastic cores break down into smaller and smaller fragments, eventually becoming micro-plastics that leach into waterways and groundwater. This contamination doesn't stay localized—it travels through watersheds, eventually reaching rivers, lakes, and oceans where it enters the marine food web.

Because of our years of experience in the construction trades remodeling, including painting, and our concern for the environment, we recognize that it is bad to clean paint rollers and paint brushes down the sink. When we discovered PREEA Roller Cleaner, we found that we could purchase better paint rollers and keep and use those rollers a lot longer — and get a better paint job.

Our research has shown that by investing in quality paint rollers and properly cleaning them with PREEA Roller Cleaner, homeowners and professional painters can reduce their environmental footprint by up to 90% while also saving money. A single high-quality roller, when properly maintained, can be reused for dozens of projects, delivering consistently superior results compared to disposable alternatives. This approach not only benefits the environment but also improves the quality of paint application, resulting in smoother finishes and better coverage.

When people purchase cheap paint rollers, they throw them away and this is not good for the environment. Did you know that one of the worst products contaminating our landfills and our oceans is the paint roller which has a plastic core that will gradually decompose over hundreds of years? As a paint roller decomposes in a landfill, it eventually becomes micro-beads. Why? The core is plastic, and latex paint contains micro-plastics.

From Good Housekeeping we read, “Wet latex paint can be hazardous, so needs to be dry.” We found that by cleaning rollers and brushes outside with PREEA Roller Cleaner you can buy better rollers, clean and reuse them many times, and save money. Through research and conversations with agencies, we learned that cleaning rollers and brushes down a drain into a sewer or septic tank creates an environmental hazard because micro-plastics seep into waterways. Our team is working on a plan to recycle those rollers in the near future. The recycling initiative is not yet operational, and we will share updates as it launches. We invite you to join us.

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Our Team

Our team is composed of dedicated environmental advocates, construction professionals, educators, and community organizers who share a common vision: a world where everyday activities like painting don't contribute to environmental degradation. We believe that meaningful change happens when we combine scientific knowledge with practical solutions and community engagement. Through our workshops, educational programs that are currently being developed, and free distribution of PREEA Roller Cleaner, we're creating a grassroots movement that demonstrates how individual actions can collectively make a significant environmental impact.

What sets our foundation apart is our commitment to transparency and measurable outcomes. We track the number of paint rollers diverted from landfills, the gallons of contaminated water prevented from entering wastewater systems, and the number of individuals educated through our programs in development. This data-driven approach ensures that every donation and every volunteer hour contributes to tangible environmental benefits. We regularly publish our impact reports and welcome community input on how we can expand and improve our programs.

Turning convictions into action.

Our amazing team takes our convictions and turns them into action. Two of the most pressing issues today are climate change and preservation of the environment. While climate change requires action by governments, our team has tackled a major problem that individuals can solve: reducing micro-plastics from latex paint.

We’re all aware that tons of plastics are dumped into oceans every day. Micro-plastics in latex paint are microscopic particles consumed by sea life — and ultimately by us. We have a solution, and you can help others who rely on a healthy environment. For details, read Our History and Our Mission. Because of the importance of our goals, our Founder & CEO does not receive a salary.

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What's New

Announcements, media coverage, and program milestones.

The Hidden Pollution in Every Paint Job — And How the PREEA Foundation Is Changing That

Most people think of painting as a simple way to freshen up a space. But what happens to the rollers and brushes once the job is done? For decades, millions of paint rollers have been rinsed out in sinks or tossed into landfills, slowly breaking down into microplastics that pollute our water and food supply. It’s an invisible crisis — one that starts in our garages and ends in our oceans.

At the PREEA Foundation (Protecting Resources through Environmental Education & Action), we’re tackling this problem head-on. Our mission is to educate homeowners, painters, and contractors about the environmental impact of improper paint cleanup — and to provide practical solutions that make a real difference.

“Every paint job has an environmental footprint — but together, we can erase it.”

How Paint Rollers Become Microplastic Pollution

Latex paint might sound harmless, but it’s a form of plastic. When water-based paint residue and roller fibers are washed down the drain, they don’t fully break down. Instead, they travel through wastewater systems and into rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they become microplastics — tiny fragments less than 5 millimeters long that can harm fish, wildlife, and even human health.

Our research shows that one improperly cleaned paint roller can release enough microplastics to contaminate thousands of gallons of water. That’s why PREEA Foundation promotes a simple, sustainable cleanup system using the PREEA Roller Cleaner, allowing rollers to be reused safely and kept out of the landfill.

Small Actions, Big Impact

By investing in reusable tools and practicing responsible cleanup, a single painter can reduce their environmental footprint by more than 90%. Imagine that impact multiplied across thousands of households, contractors, and communities nationwide. That’s the kind of change the PREEA Foundation is working toward every day.

How You Can Help

  • Learn: Explore our resources on how to properly clean and store paint tools.
  • Share: Talk with your local painters, schools, and neighbors about microplastics.
  • Volunteer: Join one of our cleanup or education events near you.
  • Donate: Your support helps us expand programs that protect our waterways and communities.

Every time we reuse instead of discard, every time we educate instead of ignore, we take a step toward cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a sustainable future for generations to come.

Receiving Your PREEA Roller Cleaner

We’re thrilled by the growing enthusiasm for responsible painting practices and the PREEA Roller Cleaner initiative. Due to overwhelming interest, production and distribution are currently operating at limited capacity. As kits become available, we’ll share pickup locations for your free PREEA Roller Cleaner. We truly appreciate your patience and support as we work to meet the demand for this environmentally important tool — every unit we ship helps prevent thousands of microplastic particles from entering our waterways.

Invite support Link to related program

“PREEA Roller Cleaner — Hook Up Hose! And Go!”

“From paint to preservation — how education leads to environmental change.”

Frequently asked questions

Where does my donation go?

Every dollar goes directly toward our mission to stop microplastic pollution—none is used for salaries or administrative pay. 100% supports real solutions and community action.

When will I receive my FREE PREEA Roller Cleaner?

Soon, with your support, we’ll have enough inventory to begin distribution—your donations make it happen.

Why not clean rollers in the sink?

Sink cleanups send micro-plastics from latex paint into wastewater systems and waterways. Our program teaches safe outdoor methods that let residue dry quickly.

What is PREEA Roller Cleaner?

A simple tool and process for cleaning and reusing rollers/brushes outdoors, reducing landfill waste and micro-plastics. It helps you buy better rollers and reuse them many times.

Can I really reuse rollers?

Yes. With proper cleaning and storage, quality rollers can be reused repeatedly while cutting waste and costs.

Does this help with red-tide or local water quality?

Reducing micro-plastics and improperly discharged paint keeps contaminants out of waterways. While many factors affect blooms, responsible cleanup reduces overall stress on aquatic ecosystems.

Can schools or cities host a clinic?

Absolutely—email preeafoundation@yahoo.com or call 1-800-484-5228 to join our interest list while we finalize future clinics.

What exactly are micro-plastics and micro-beads?

Micro-plastics are plastic particles smaller than 5mm; micro-beads are tiny manufactured beads. Roller cores can fragment into micro-plastics over time, and latex paint residue contains microscopic polymer particles.

Why is outdoor cleaning preferred over indoor sinks?

Indoor sinks route residues to sewers or septic systems that ultimately discharge to waterways. Outdoors, thin dilute films dry quickly, reducing transport of micro-plastics to drains.

How do I store rollers for reuse?

After cleaning, your roller will be damp/dry—store it in the PREEA Roller Cleaner, which also keeps your painting supplies organized.

What about oil-based paint?

Follow local regulations—solvent cleanup is different from latex. Our program focuses on latex because water cleanup is common and micro-plastics are a key concern with polymer-based coatings.

How does PREEA Roller Cleaner save money?

Buying one quality roller and reusing it can replace multiple disposable rollers, reduce trips to the store. Value that adds up on every project..

Do you accept roller core donations for recycling pilots?

We’re developing a pilot to divert plastic cores and will announce active collection once ready.