DIY is part of a zero-waste lifestyle. And the first time you do it, it's exciting! Rolling up your sleeves, making something new, saving money—it actually gets me every time. But in the crafty thrill of your first time, it’s easy to forget the fact that you’re working with sharp tools, heavy (or messy) materials, and occasionally, chemicals. Yes, paint is a chemical.
Whether you just bought a used couch from a thrift store or you have an old one that you don’t want to get rid of, slipcovers are an excellent option for making an old couch look like new. However, not all slipcovers look great the second you put them on - sometimes you have to work them a bit. That’s why I’ve put together a short guide on how to make slipcovers more presentable.
Bohemian style is a great décor choice if you love vibrant patterns, natural textures and textiles, floral and botanical motifs, tons of plants, and repurposing finds from thrift stores. While I can appreciate the simplicity of minimalism, I enjoy the eclectic vibe that Boho offers. It’s a simple decorating strategy; almost anything goes.
There’s nothing better than a good garage or yard sale. On top of saving money and helping to keep things out of the landfill, you never know what you might you find! That mint condition tennis racket you’ve always wanted (much cheaper than buying it new!), or maybe the perfect lamp for your living room.
There are a couple of items in my closet that have traveled with me between 16 states and countless moves, from South Africa to the UK to Colombia to the US. I’m not inclined to throw out these sentimental items, but you know me - I'm also loathe to just let them sit in the back of my closet.
When we talk about brightening up a room, we're usually talking color. Let's "brighten things up" with a fun coat of paint, colorful pillows or art. What I've been thinking about, however, is actual light versus dark. If you aren't lucky enough to live in a home with huge windows and wide-open views, how can you lighten things up?
Fishing can be as expensive as you want it to be. If you love gadgets, you can drop a ton of money at the sporting goods store. If you’re a minimalist, you’ll probably have the same luck with a basic hand-me-down pole. So there are plenty of ways to customize and upcycle your equipment. The best DIY projects for fishing enthusiasts are the ones that make your outings memorable.
If your home needs a refresh (or even a serious upgrade) but you don’t have the money for renovations, you can make significant improvements without a complete overhaul. Tackling minor updates before a considerable renovation can help you decide what direction you want to take a larger project. Or it might just allow you to skip it altogether.
As pandemic restrictions are eased, I look forward to celebrating again with my friends and family. Traditionally, however, parties are occasions for waste, producing a big pile of trash to dispose of. But there are cleaner and environmentally safer ways to celebrate. Here are a few tips on how to throw an eco-friendly party.
Gardening is possibly the best way to interact with nature and the growing process while providing yourself with healthy fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more. If you have a patch of land to grow on (or even if you don’t), there are so many ways to plant and cultivate your own little slice of paradise without creating waste or interfering with the local flora and fauna.
The state of the fashion industry can discourage those who want to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean you have to feel guilty every time you go to get dressed. It just means using a little more strategy when we pick out our clothes. That’s why I’ve collected my favorite tips for creating a sustainable wardrobe.
The kitchen is one of the largest consumers of water and energy in a home. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to decrease your carbon footprint with the right remodels. To ensure that the heart of your home is as energy-efficient as possible, here are some eco-friendly kitchen upgrades to try out.
Energy-efficient homes are built to conserve energy in a number of ways. They have features to reduce the amount of energy you use, prevent energy waste and heat transfer, and prioritize clean energy use.
Guest post: Shannon Bergstrom
The more we know about a product, the better we can assess if it falls in line with our eco-efforts—its production method, what it is made of, the company’s values, etc. And one tool that can help with our evaluation process, as well as assist in assessing our everyday habits, is the zero waste hierarchy.
