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!
The “Walking House” is a modular dwelling system that can move itself around through a motorized system of feet. The moving structure gathers electricity from its surroundings through onboard solar cells and wind turbines. Water for the house comes through collecting rain, and is heated through the solar power system. Read more about this interesting […]
Check out this cool DIY project that requires your kid to help out on. Okay not requires but does look like it makes a cool family project. It’s called the 6 minute DIY superhero cape.
According to Japan Today (via Ecogeek): The transport ministry aims to introduce a system in fiscal 2010 to provide 30% of the cooling energy at New Chitose Airport terminal building in summer from snow collected in winter, ministry officials said Tuesday. A regional office of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism collected snow […]
From Austin Energy, here’s a good overview of a variety of sustainable construction technologies. Much of this is Austin-centric, but the reading references and overviews are broadly applicable. For example, here’s the start of the graywater systems page: In Central Texas, any opportunity to reuse water should be taken because we are using up more […]
I’ve heard this workshop provides a good overview of home efficiency upgrades, including lots of ideas for DIY projects: Austin Energy Green Buildingâ„¢ holds its one-day Green by Design workshop four times a year. Austinites preparing to build, buy, or remodel a home can learn how to improve energy and water efficiency, increase comfort, and […]
Tonight, Austinites can check out a cooperative community event: In addition to the retro White Ghost Shivers’ music, I’m excited to check out the Austin Time Exchange Network, South Austin Food Co-op, and Black Star Co-op…
They’re not Make or Craft, but a few other magazines do have a healthy sprinkling of DIY projects among their archives. Here’s a good one from Homepower: Passive Solar Retrofit… In A Weekend (pdf). As I find sustainable projects, especially those that are lower-tech, I find it interesting to look at any disadvantages and think […]
