Energy & Sustainability

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!

How-To: Planting asparagus crowns

Arwen @ CRAFT writes: A friend just gave me an asparagus crown (the network of roots that supports an asparagus plant), so I figured I’d better figure out how to plant it! Unlike many garden vegetables, asparagus are a long-term investment; you aren’t supposed to harvest the asparagus for the first few years, to give […]

Mr. Green: An Arduino robot

Mr. Green is an Arduino based robot built from a lot of scavenged parts, including old CD’s, a mint tin, and some cardboard. I really like the magnetic on/off switch and the custom wheels. Check out the link for a lot more detailed pictures of the robot. Mr.Green (aka Bean) Arduino based Robot – explore/avoid […]

Bee boxes explained

I remember, the first time I saw a bee box (or bee lining box), I was fascinated by all of its chambers (this one has two, others have three), lifts, sliding doors, windows, etc. It’s like something a magician might flourish onstage. But it’s not. It’s used for hunting and capturing wild bees and using […]

No-cost soil moisture sensor

No-cost soil moisture sensor

The Cheap Vegetable Gardner created this soil moisture sensor using nothing more than picture wall hanging hooks, a soda straw, hot glue, and some Plaster of Paris. After a little research there was the classic science class method of creating a homemade sensor by simply putting two galvanized nails in the soil and measuring the […]