6 DIY Projects for a Greener Home and Garden
With Earth Day just past, you may be thinking about how to make Earth-positive changes. Going green starts at home, and it doesn’t have to be costly or exhausting. Any number of green DIY projects allow you to get creative and make something that’s useful for you and for the planet.
Here are six DIY projects for your home and garden that we collected from around the web. Whether you prefer a simple project or something more complex, there’s something for you, ranging from keeping your home clean to recycling plastic for your neighborhood or community.
We recommend following the links to each of the projects, whose creators have tested and perfected to share with the world. Be sure to send them kudos when you’re done with your green DIY projects.
1. Reusable Cleaning Wipes
Do you still rely on single-use wipes for cleaning up everyday messes? Made of synthetic fibers and often containing chemicals like bleach, those wet wipes cannot be recycled or composted. So we toss them in the garbage and they end up in the local landfill, or worse yet, littering the landscape. Pins and Procrastination has a quick and easy DIY recipe for making reusable cleaning wipes. They are as convenient as single-use disposable wipes but are reusable, environmentally friendly, contain no harmful chemicals, and are cheaper than buying those disposable wipes.
Although these wipes are made of microfiber cloth, you can make them out of any washable fabric, such as old washcloths or stained kitchen towels. What we especially like about this project is the instructions about how to fold the wipes so that the next one is available to pull from the container when needed.
**Ingredients for cleaner**
– 1 1/2 cups hot water
– 1/2 teaspoon borax – to kill bacteria
– 1 teaspoon baking soda – to dissolve dirt and grime
– 3 tablespoons rubbing alcohol – to disinfect
– 5-10 drops essential oils (optional) – for fragrance
**You’ll also need**
– Microfiber cloths
– Plastic container with lid – to fit your folded wipes
– Knife or scissors – to cut the plastic container’s lid for easy access
**The steps**
First, fold the cloths so that they dispense like Kleenex. To do so, lay the first cloth flat, lay the second cloth half overlapping, and fold the first cloth over. Now, lay the third cloth half overlapping and fold the second cloth over. Repeat this pattern until each cloth is folded. Put them into the plastic container and cut a small opening in the lid to pull out the wipes. Pins and Procrastination has a handy video that walks you through this process.
To make the cleaning solution:
1. Combine the borax, baking soda, and hot water. Stir until the borax and baking soda dissolve.
2. Add 3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and 5-10 drops of essential oils (try orange, grapefruit, lavender, tea tree, or peppermint).
3. Pour the cleaning solution over the reusable wipes in their plastic container so they’re ready to use.
When you need a wipe, pull it out, wipe away, and just toss it in the laundry hamper. Once you’ve used all the wipes, wash and dry them, fold them again in the plastic box, and pour in the cleaning solution. Thanks, Pins and Procrastination!
2. Raised Bed Garden
Kicking off your gardening journey can be exciting but also full of hurdles. What if your soil isn’t up to growing your favorite fruits and vegetables? What if your drainage system isn’t effective? What if you don’t have enough space for a garden? Setting up a raised bed garden can resolve all these problems.
James Prigioni of The Gardening Channel provides a video tutorial that makes quick work of building a raised bed garden at an affordable cost. Your raised bed can be of any size and dimensions, but a 4-foot by 8-foot bed is the most common.
**What you’ll need**
– Two 2” x 12” planks (8 ft. long)
– Two 2” x 12” planks (4 ft. long)
– 12 2-foot long rebar pieces
– Cardboard or newspaper
– A rubber mallet
– Soil to fill the frame
**The steps**
Once you have all the materials, follow these tips to build the raised bed for your garden.
1. Position your boards by laying them with their inner corners touching. Stand each board on its side using rebar. If you don’t have rebar, you can use 3-inch deck screws to join all the boards. You’ve made your bed, now you have to prepare it.
2. Line the bottom with cardboard or newspaper and fill it with the soil.
Your raised bed is ready. You can now start planting your garden. We thank James Prigioni for sharing a great idea.
3. Compost Bin
Have you started composting at home yet? Compost from your backyard is one of the best ways to feed your garden. The pile of dry leaves, yard trimmings, and kitchen leftovers can act as a natural fertilizer and promote the growth of your garden. But the heap doesn’t look attractive, so you’ll probably want a container to conceal your backyard compost pile.
This Old House has a plan and instructions for making an attractive compost bin that will never be referred to by guests as “that pile in your backyard.”
While there are numerous cost-effective compost bins made from recycled materials available, you can save money by making your compost bin. If you’re looking for a new project to tackle, why not consider building a cedar compost bin? Cedar is a rot-resistant wood that will hold up well in outdoor conditions, making it a great choice for a compost bin that will last for years to come. Here’s how you can build your own cedar compost bin:
What you’ll need:
– Cedar lumber
– 2-inch trim-head screws
– Wood glue
The steps:
1. Start by cutting out the necessary pieces of cedar lumber. You’ll need 24 horizontal slats, eight vertical legs, eight slats and battens for the lid, and one spacer to match the height of the bin.
2. Build the back and sides of the bin by placing six slats 3/4 inch apart from each other.
3. Build the lower and upper panels by placing three slats 3/4 inch apart from each other.
4. Use wood glue and screws to assemble the bin.
5. Make and attach the lid to the bin.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your DIY cedar compost bin will be ready to use. Cedar is a great choice for this project because of its rot-resistant properties, ensuring that your compost bin will withstand the elements and last for years to come.
If you’re looking for more green DIY projects, consider creating a vertical garden with a drip watering system. This space-efficient garden is perfect for growing greens and herbs in small spaces. Houseful of Handmade has an easy-to-follow project for building a vertical garden with a drip watering system that will have you reaping the benefits of fresh produce in no time.
For those looking for a more ambitious project, consider starting your own plastic recycling business with the Precious Plastic system. While this project may be more complex and costly, it offers the opportunity to recycle plastic waste and turn it into new products, generating revenue in the process.
And if you’re looking for a simple, around-the-house project, consider making your own nontoxic wood floor cleaner using natural ingredients. This homemade cleaner is safe for your family and the environment, avoiding the harmful chemicals found in many commercial cleaning products.
We hope these green DIY projects inspire you to get creative and make your home and garden more eco-friendly. Whether you’re building a compost bin, creating a vertical garden, starting a recycling business, or making your own cleaning products, there are plenty of ways to make a positive impact on the planet. Living a healthier life and making a positive impact on the environment go hand in hand. By making small changes in your daily routine, you can reduce your carbon footprint and improve your overall well-being. Here are some simple yet effective ways to make a difference:
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
One of the easiest ways to lessen your impact on the environment is to reduce waste. By using reusable containers, bags, and water bottles, you can cut down on single-use plastics. Additionally, recycling items like paper, glass, and plastic can help conserve resources and reduce landfill waste.
2. Choose Sustainable Products:
Opt for products that are environmentally friendly, such as biodegradable cleaning supplies, organic foods, and eco-friendly clothing. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, USDA Organic, and Energy Star to ensure that the products you buy are sustainable and ethically sourced.
3. Conserve Energy:
Cutting back on energy usage not only helps the environment but also saves you money on your utility bills. Turn off lights when not in use, unplug electronics when they’re not being used, and use energy-efficient appliances to reduce your carbon footprint.
4. Eat a Plant-Based Diet:
Reducing your meat consumption can have a significant impact on the environment. Livestock farming is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet, you can lower your environmental impact and improve your health.
5. Support Local Farmers and Businesses:
Buying locally grown produce and shopping at small businesses can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and support the local economy. Look for farmers markets, co-ops, and locally owned shops to find sustainable and ethically sourced products.
6. Use Alternative Transportation:
Driving less and using alternative modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, or public transit, can help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Carpooling and telecommuting are also effective ways to lessen your environmental impact.
7. Plant Trees:
Trees are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Planting trees in your yard or participating in tree-planting initiatives can help offset your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment.
By making these small changes in your daily life, you can make a positive impact on the environment and improve your own health and well-being. Every little effort counts, and together, we can create a more sustainable and eco-friendly world.
