Rising sea levels, an increase in extreme
weather events worldwide, melting ice sheets; these are just some of the signs
of global
warming. While the climate of the earth does change on its own
naturally, science has confirmed that human activity has sped up the process.
Fortunately, the earth can heal from the disastrous repercussions we have caused, but we all need to do our part to reverse the damage – and we need to take action now!
Sure, recycling and using reusable shopping bags are certainly helpful for the environment, but they aren’t enough! We really need to make bigger efforts to reduce our carbon footprint to improve the health of our planet and preserve it for future generations.
With a little creativity, you can
significantly reduce your carbon footprint and restore the health of the earth.
Here’s a look at some simple DIY projects that will make your home more
eco-friendly.
Create a Compost Pile
Composting is one of the easiest eco-friendly
DIY projects you can do at home. Not only does it eliminate waste in landfills,
but it can also make your garden healthier and more fertile. It’s truly a
win-win for the planet.
To make your compost pile, you first have to
decide where you’re going to place it and what you’re going to use. You can
simply dedicate a section of your yard to your compost pile, or you can compost
inside a container. If you’re going to compost in a container, consider making
one yourself out of recycled materials, such as wood pallets.
Once you have determined where you’re going to
create your compost pile, you can start the process. Compost requires three
simple ingredients:
· Greens, such as grass clippings, old fruits or vegetables, eggshells, animal waste, and even coffee grounds.
·
Browns, which can include things like tree branches, twigs, dead leaves,
newspapers, cardboard, and sawdust.
·
Water, which is essential for starting and maintaining the decomposition
process that makes compost possible.
Insulate Hot-Water Pipes
Insulating your pipes will not only keep your hot water hotter and prevent it from freezing, but it’s also a great way to save energy. When hot water pipes are insulated, less energy is needed to heat it, which is good for the planet – and your pocket, too.
Insulating your pipes is easy. Simply purchase
insulated pipe sleeve from your local home improvement store. Measure the pipes
you want to cover, cut them to size, slip them on, and then secure the sleeves
with a zip tie, tape, or wire every foot or so.
Make
Your Own Cleansers
While commercial all-purpose cleansers can
certainly keep your home neat and tidy, they contain tons of chemicals, and
those chemicals aren’t good for the environment or your health.
Ditch those commercial cleaners and make your own all-purpose cleaner out of products that are good for the environment and good for you, too!
To make an eco-friendly cleanser, simply combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add in some lemon juice, which will increase the disinfectant power of the vinegar and create a pleasant aroma. You can also add in a few drops of your favorite natural essential oils, such as lavender if you wish.
This DIY cleaner can kill up to 99% of bacteria and won’t leave any streaks behind!
These DIY projects for your home are easy to
make and will help you do your part to protect the health of the planet, too!
