Painted Bins

Through visual arts and public speaking, Painted Bins empowers Marin youth to become climate educators in their communities, inspiring action to mitigate climate change.

Painted Bins gives youth a platform to amplify their voices about protecting the environment through visual arts and public speaking. Our programs provide environmental education in Marin County schools, including underserved communities, where students translate their learning into creative expression by designing impactful posters that encourage waste reduction. These posters are displayed in public spaces and at local art shows, creating community around waste diversion. By speaking at our events, students gain leadership and communication skills, further building a shared culture of environmental stewardship. Through this approach, Painted Bins demonstrates how art can make environmental issues more accessible, memorable, and motivating, while inspiring community engagement and action around sustainability.

PAINTED BINS ART SHOW, MILL VALLEY, is happening March 31st-April 26th, from 8:30 am-5 pm weekdays, and 12-3 pm on April 26th (Earth Day) at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. On display will be inspirational and educational posters about the importance of keeping waste from the landfill, created by Mill Valley's Elementary and Middle School students.

TRASH BASH, Painted Bins' student-led fundraiser on Thursday, April 23rd, from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Mill Valley Community Center, celebrates the creativity and leadership of Marin youth, while raising critical funds for Painted Bins' education programs. The evening will start with an interactive Stewardship in Action reception and is followed by a seated dinner program that includes student speakers, student-created videos, a lively auction, and presentation of our Climate Educator Award to Katherine Hanson of Strawberry Point Elementary School in Mill Valley. Tickets and more information can be purchased at: https://www.paintedbins.org/trash-bash-2026