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!

Max’s day of Making

Max’s day of Making

Max Wallack is a kid who thinks big. When he saw the Trash to Treasure design contest at By Kids For Kids, he knew he could come up with an idea. Since he was really young, he’s been active in designing and developing solutions. “If you have the ability to help people, then you have […]

This week on Make: television

This week on Make: television

On this week’s episode of Make: television, Dan McCormick uses trimmings from trees and brush to craft ecological sculptures that control erosion and restore ecosystems. Read more on Dan McCormick and his environmental art at and visit his blog for some cool before and after pictures. In Maker to Maker, Mister Jalopy muses on a […]

Flashback: Natural Dyeing 101

Master fiber spinner and natural dyeing wizard Judith Lange shared her wealth of knowledge with us back in Volume 04. Judith lives on her farm in Sonoma County, raises her own sheep and goats, spins her own harvested fibers, and dyes them stunning colors using only nature’s bounty right there in her on-site workshop. Pictured […]

Scratch-built kid’s racer

Scratch-built kid’s racer

I love this scratch-built old-school Indie race car for kids. It was built on an aircraft-style stringer frame with a riveted sheet aluminum skin. There are fun details on it, like a sliced-in-half 50s kitchen canister for the front bumpers, a malt shaker for the headrest, and a maraschino cherry jar for the radiator cap […]