Do a bit of DIY, get cheap energy and save the planet. It sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it? Where’s the catch? Rather strangely, there is none.
Solar PV technology is what we are talking about, and if you have been waiting for the chance to make your home more ecologically then this could be your chance to do it. If you have also been waiting for the chance to impress your friends with some complex sounding but simple DIY then this is ideal for you as well, coupled with basic energy efficiency practices such as double glazing windows Solar energy can make a real difference.
This got me thinking about what other DIY jobs are easier than they sound and could do a bit to help save the planet. Here are some ideas to get you looking out the tool box.
A Compost Toilet
Do you know how much water you use every time you flush the toilet? The answer is lots and if you want to go truly green then a compost toilet is easy to make. You need sand, empty bottles, bamboo, clay and a few other things. Don’t worry, there are step by step instructions with photos on a number of internet sites, so you won’t get lost along the way. If a compost toilet just sounds too far out then simply adding something like a brick inside your cistern will take up space and ensure that you use less water every time you flush.
Grow More Plants
There are lots of different benefits to be had from growing your own plants. Apart from it being a fun hobby you can also recycle some household items as pots, get some compost heap fun going on and grow your own fruit and vegetables. You will be amazed at how many people are genuinely impressed at your gardening skills without realising that it is actually one of the simplest and most natural tasks around. If you have children in the house then you should get them involved as well, as they will love it.
Recycle Your Clothes and Make Something New
If you have a really badly treated old t-shirt or pair of trousers then maybe the only thing you can do with them is turn them into rags for cleaning up the house. However, for anything in a better condition you should use your creativity before throwing them out. Sometimes cutting off legs, adding buttons or dyeing can turn a useless piece of clothing into something which can still give you some use. If you are planning to do a few more DIY jobs then you will want some more clothes which you don’t need to worry about getting dirty or ripped as you work. The same goes for jewellery, as lone earnings can be added to necklaces and broken necklaces can sometimes be turned into earrings. Just take your time and look over anything you are planning to throw out. Once you get used to the idea of seeing new uses for old things it will start to come naturally to you to think this way.