If you’re a maker just starting out your journey in sustainability, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to get started. From understanding the types of materials to utilize, learning what steps will help reduce waste and emissions, and finding inspiring new ways to explore creativity that don’t have a negative environmental impact. The good news is there are plenty of resources available for DIYers looking for ways to make their projects more sustainable – from simple switches you can make today, big-picture ideas for longterm change, or exciting new ways makers are helping push sustainability into the future. In these blog posts we’ll look at tips tricks and ideas specifically tailored towards diyers and makers on the road to creating projects with greater eco consciousness so that not only will you create something beautiful but also respect its impact on our planet!
Back in CRAFT Volume 09, the multi-talented Brookelynn Morris opened our eyes to the wonders of growing a garden hydroponically. Brookeylnn shares instructions for a simple and compact system, perfect for the urban gardener. The introduction to this DIY explains the benefits of a hydro system: “Why hydro instead of soil? Growing hydroponically has tons […]
Patricia of A Little Hut shares this fantastic project for covering a glass hurricane. Can you figure out what common household product she used to create the design? I couldn’t! Go check out her post for all the details.
These recycled milk bottle lights look cool and seem to work really well. You can make a basic version with a simple on/off switch, or you can make a deluxe version that uses an Arduino to add fading and sequencing to the lights. Check out the link for complete build instructions and the source code […]
[Image from Smart Home USA] Want to get on the smart grid bandwagon without having to wait for the mature technology to be delivered by your utility? Here are some features you can add to your house now that will allow you to remotely control and schedule your energy use. If you can control the […]
Picture from Landon Cox, 360VL, Inc. Landon has a great site with loads of evidence from his hardware and software explorations. Looking for a way to fly your Green Geek flag a bit? Check out the network controlled AC outlet: The impetus for this came when I was at work at a client…their offices are […]
This chair is made from a 55-gallon plastic drum, along with six small bolts, nuts, washers, six drywall screws, and a little ingenuity. It’s “surprisingly comfortable” (claims its builder). Recycled 55 Gallon Barrel Chair [Thanks, Seth Robinson!]
Adafruit points to these kits for building weather station monitoring instruments (humidity, temperature, solar radiation sensor, lightening strike counter, and wind speed and direction) and other environmental test instruments (soil moisture). Hobby Boards weather kits
