4 Cost-Efficient DIY Methods for Creating a Greener Living Space

Most people like to live their lives responsibly and don’t like to think of themselves as wasteful. And perhaps some people are living a green lifestyle and don’t even realize it.

So, before getting into some easy DIY ideas to implement into your own home in order to create a greener living space, let’s quickly review what green living actually is. Green living is when you make intentional changes in your daily living in order to be more resourceful and careful of natural systems. In essence green living is being respectful of the resources you have been given.

There are simple (but profound) responsible actions you can do on a daily basis, and you may already do these things, like shutting off lights in a room when you leave or not letting the water run when you brush your teeth. But, if you wish to take your green lifestyle a step further, there are a few other simple, intentional actions you can take to create a greener living space at very minimal cost:

1. Create a Plant Display: Indoor plants can naturally improve the air quality in your home because plants remove air pollutants. Setting up an easy (and eye-pleasing) plant display in your home can rid these unwanted pollutants and allow you to breath more cleanly. Great DIY ways to display your plants are to use old wooden crates (for a more rustic look) or empty, small plastic containers (similar to yogurt containers) that you can line up along your window sill. There are particular plantsthat are more beneficial to the environment and ridding pollutants, so choose wisely as you create your display. Check out “Indoor Plants That Clean the air Naturally!” for more great ideas!

2. Make your Own Cleaners: Instead of investing in expensive cleaners that contain harsh chemicals to rid unwanted dirt and perform basic cleaning, why not mix your own cleaners? By doing so, you will know exactly what is being used to clean your home. The ingredients you need to make your own cleaners are natural and most likely ones you already have around the house. For all purpose cleaner, find a spray bottle and use about a ¼ cup of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of baking powder and fill the rest of the bottle with water. For a nice scent, add a couple drops of essential oil (like tea tree); it’s that simple! Of course, we don’t always have time to whip together our own cleaners. Thankfully, there are many environmentally-friendly cleaning products on the market today. Keep those on hand so that you’ll have them as a backup if you’re ever running low on your own supply. Check out  9 Ingredients to clean your home naturally!

3. Insulate your Water Heater: This step will save energy and allow your water heater to run more efficiently. The added bonus, of course, is that you will also save money on your bill. To insulate your heater, you will need to purchase an insulation blanket (from Home Depot or a similar store—don’t worry, they’re fairly inexpensive!). Before you go to the store, make sure you know the size of your water heater (by gallons). Be sure to give care to the wrapping process, and avoid covering valves or the exhaust. This DIY fix will take you less than a couple of hours and will save valuable energy, and money, in the process!

4. Create a Boot or Shoe Tray: You may not have given it much thought before, but the bacteria and toxins that the bottom of your shoes accumulate can be harmful when tracked all around your living space. To avoid this, create a space to house your shoes as soon as you walk in the front door. The easiest way to do this is to make a “tray” for your shoes. You can use a rectangular-shape tray that you have around the house. To make it more appealing and functional, spread pebbles on the bottom of the tray. The pebbles will allow for another layer to grab water and dirt from your shoes on those messy weather days.

These DIY methods may be quick and simple, but they can greatly contribute to your green lifestyle and have a positive effect on your health and well-being too!

Aimee Lyons, a native to colorful Austin, Texas, is a creative Jack of All Trades. It makes sense that a young creator from a city like Austin would want to form a supportive community for other innovative minds. That is why Aimee started DIYDarlin.com, a place for artists, crafters, and the like to share ideas and inspiration. A painter and vintage stylist, her work is her life, and Aimee continues to spread that same passion.

About the author

Marla

Website

Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog! I believe in living green, organically, and natural in every aspect of our lives. My mission is to help educate you on how to live green, help save our environment and to help you and your family live a happier, healthier life!