Autumn is here, and your mellow yellow walls are already looking wrong. After researching your options, you’ve concluded that low-VOC paint isn’t quite green enough for your taste (after all, it still emits pollutants into the air you breathe every day), and non-toxic alternatives cost more than your budget can afford. So, what is a thrifty, eco-conscious girl to do? Make your own all-natural milk paint!

Thoroughly mix ten cups of nonfat dry milk with ten cups of water. Add vegetable dye gradually in small amounts until you create the color that you desire, and you’re ready to give your walls a makeover. Having trouble finding plant-based dyes? You can concoct your own by following the few simple steps provided by the National Garden Association.

Image: Photocapy