A Fun Family Project Under $20!

This project may not be aimed at saving you money on a monthly basis, but I've included ways to do the project for very cheap. It's a great way to get your kids involved with "going green", learning about our planet, responsibility, etc... You can also incorporate turning off the lights and ceiling fans when you leave a room in this project, and that will help decrease your monthly living cost!

DIY Recycle Bins 

You don't have to use this for just recycle bins, it's also great for other types of storage! 

You will need

3 roller brushes if using different colors, 1 roller brush if your doing one color.
1 small can of chalkboard paint (or make your own, recipe is at the bottom)
3 plastic bins
1 roll of painters tape
1 pack of chalk0

1 400 grit (or higher) piece of sandpaper

1 damp cloth

1 dry cloth


Step 1:

Go to the dollar store, buy three bins big enough for recycling. Let the kids pick out the colors. Having your kids involved as much as possible is very important. So, you have your three bins.

Step 2:

Buy a small can of chalkboard paint, or make your own (recipe to follow). If you opt to buy your own, check Michaels and Hobby Lobby, both offer weekly coupons of 30-50% off any one regular priced item. Hobby Lobby is usually always 40% off, except during major holidays. You can pull the coupon up on your phone (same for Michaels). At Hobby Lobby they will only need the 4 digit code on the coupon at check out. No need to print (saves paper, time, and money). 

Step 3:

Once you get home, you'll need to setup a paint safe area. Go online and find kid friendly videos on recycling. Have them watch the videos while you set up the area, or sit and watch it with them. Check websites like Nick Jr, PBS Kids, and Disney for recycling information for children. 

Step 4:

Now, clean off the bins where you want the paint to go. Dry the area. Tape off the part where you want the paint to go (you can do it in shapes as well). Roll the paint on and let dry. I'd do about 3 coats just to be safe. Do this to each bin. Once the area is dry, slowly remove the tape. Rub the chalkboard area with your sand paper, lightly. Brush away dust, wipe with damp cloth. 

**NOTE** Depending on the type of paint you use, you may need to condition your chalkboard. It's super easy! Once you have finished painting. Be sure your paint is completely dry. Place a piece of chalk on the side and rub over the entire chalkboard surface, covering the entire area with chalk. Using a dry cloth, wipe off the chalk you just applied. With a slightly damp cloth, wipe the chalkboard clean. 

Step 5:

Now your chalkboard is ready! Have your kids write plastic, paper, and glass on each of the bins using the chalk. Find a good place for the bins, and you're done. The bins are now ready to be used! This could be a great chore for your children! 

Easy Chalkboard Paint Recipe...

               And choose any color you like!


You will need:

3 teaspoons acrylic paint [color of choice]
1 1/2 teaspoons glazing medium [water based]
1/2 teaspoon powder tile grout [Not Sanded]

How to:

Mix together all of the ingredients listed above, blend really well and that's it. You now have chalkboard paint! You should only mix as much as you will need for your project. It doesn't keep well, but can be stored in an air tight container for a few hours. After a longer period of time, the paint will begin to thicken a little and become a bit brittle.