Active Eco-Friendly Posts
How To: Make a portable solar powered USB charger with Altoids
Check out this Greener Business Show video tutorial on how to make a portable solar powered USB charger with an LED flashlight inside an Altoids tin can. You will see in this episode how to modify a solar path light into the Altoids tin so that you can have a nifty LED flashlight and so you can charge your iPod or cell phone in the gleaming sunlight.
How To: Repurpose ordinary rubber bands in extraordinary ways
Rubber bands are an ordinary, everyday, common household item, right? Their hidden in your desk, wrapped around your bills, holding your pencils together at the office, but what else can you do with rubber bands? What are some extraordinary uses? Woman's Day Magazine tells you how you can repurpose those rubber bands!
How To: Install a fan in your home to save money
If you're looking for a way to save some money, the best area to start may be your own bedroom. A ceiling fan is a great and smart chouce for helping save energy and money. It's not too difficult to put together and can be a great addition to your home.
How To: Make mosquito netting using a plastic bag
To make mosquito netting, using a plastic bag, you will need the following: a butane torch or a campfire, a lathe, thumbtacks, and a plastic bags.
How To: Recycle a plastic grocery bag into a checkbook holder using an iron
Plastic shopping bags are on the verge of extinction with states threatening plastic bag bans. California has already approved a ban, taking effect in 2012, and other states are proposing the same ban, including Oregon.
How To: Make your own eco-friendly toilet cleaner
If you are in desperate need to clean your toilet, don't rush to the store just yet. What you might need to clean it, is probably already in your home. Most of the toilet cleaners out on the market contain harmful, toxic chemicals that are inhaled during the cleaning process.
How To: Make your own homemade, eco-friendly all purpose cleaner
If you've just ran out of all purpose cleaner, hold on to your waller for just a couple of minutes. Most of the all purpose cleaners, or any cleaner for that matter, contains chemicals that can be harmful for you and others. Not only that, but it produces more trash that can easily be avoided. How so? By making your own stuff from scratch.
How To: Make light using a stepper motor generator
In this tutorial, we learn how to make light using a stepper motor generator. First, take the motor out of an old printer that you don't use anymore. After this, find a few LED lights. You will need to solder the LED lights, then connect them with a soldering iron to the printer motor. Now connect these to a generator, and the light should now shine so that you can see in the dark! This won't use any additional electricity, so you are helping the environment. All of the pieces used to make th...
How To: Recycle old windows into new decorations
In this video, we learn how to recycle old windows into new decorations. First, you can make a coffee table by using the old window and adding legs onto the bottom of it. You can also place a box around the bottom and hinge the window to make a display case. This is simple to make and doesn't cost much, you only need to pay for the legs of the table! You can also use the window to make a pot rack, but make sure you have strong hooks in the ceiling to hold the rack tightly and it will be able ...
How To: Install a 1010TR Solar Powered Attic Fan in your home
Everyone should have an electric fan installed in their attic, but who wants to waste electricity on something like that? That's where the 1010TR Solar Powered Attic Fan from U.S. Sunlight Corporation comes in. If you have just gotten yourself one of these energy saving roof fans, you have two options: professional installation or self-installation. This video will walk you through the steps of installing the solar-powered fan yourself, and for more help, download the official installation in...
How To: Get rid of wasps and hornets without chemicals
In this tutorial, we learn how to get rid of wasps and hornets without using chemicals. Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a stick. Then secure that stick by hanging it over a bowl of water with dish soap on it. The bacon will entice the bees to come towards it. Then, the bees will eat so much bacon they will have a hard time flying and they will end up flying down into the bowl of water. Then, the soap will make them be able not to fly and they will drown in the water. This is very eff...
How To: Make a box out of used plastic bottles
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a box out of used plastic bottles. This task is very simple, fast and easy to do. The materials required for this task are 2 plastic bottles and a zipper. Begin by cutting off the bottom of both plastic bottles. Now glue the zipper on both of the bottom pieces and glue the bottom pieces together. Then zip the bottom pieces together. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy making arts and crafts and recycling material, and would like to...
How To: Conserve at home to help the enviroment
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to conserve at home. One way to conserve at home is to have a recycling bin. Before throwing away a recyclable item, rinse it off first to avoid unpleasant odors. Change all the incandescent light bulbs in your home to fluorescent light bulbs to conserve the electricity. Fluorescent light bulbs consume 4 times less energy and lasts 8 times longer. Use home appliances that have the "Energy Star" label on them. Wash your clothing with cold water. Eat or...
News: Paint a Mountain, Save the World
55-year-old Peruvian inventor, Eduardo Gold, was one of 26 winners of the "100 Ideas to Save the Planet" competition of 2009. His winning plan? To whitewash a mountain in order to restore it to a glacier.
How To: Recycle old egg cartons and grow new seedlings
In this clip, learn how to save that old egg carton from the trash, and save yourself money at the same time. No need to buy little pots for plants that you are just starting out with, reuse those cartons and grow seedlings inside them! This tutorial will show you how quickly and easily you can be an eco-friendly gardener!
How To: Install solar panels to your home
Solar panels have been around for quite some time now and more people are taking a shot at being "green" with their homes. Finding and picking the right solar panels can be easy, but getting it ready is another story. This is a task that many people try to tackle on their own, but is sometimes better to hire a professional. In this tutorial, you'll see what it takes to install solar panels on a home. It's easy to follow and can make life better for you and others. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Add solar to your home
Each day, more and more people are going "green" and taking the necessary actions to make sure they don't leave a big footprint on the Earth. One way of doing this is by adding solar energy to your home. This is a great way to save money on your energy bill and gives you a good feeling. So in this tutorial, you'll find out what it takes to buy solar panels and how it works in your home. So check out the video above and good luck!
How To: Use water barrels on your garden to save money
If rain is a constant weather in your city, you should check into installing rain barrels outside. These precious storage systems are great to use for watering your plants during the long summer months. Not only does it help you save money, but it helps out the environment as well. They're easy to set up and can be done without much hassle. So check out the tutorial above from the city of Calgary, on how to use rain barrels today. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Seal your air ducts and save energy and money
If you take a quick look around your home, there are many areas that can be changed to help ensure that it's energy efficient. From the fridge in your kitchen to the lights outside, there are numerous possibilities. One area that is filled with possibilities is your basement, more specifically, your home's air ducts. This is an area where you can save 5-10 percent per month on your energy bill. It takes a little bit of time to complete, but is totally worth it in the long haul. So check out t...
How To: Install window insulation in your basement
Just like a garage, basements can become areas where you're saying hello cold air, good-bye money! This is because when cold air fills a basement, the floor above it becomes cold and can actually lower the tempature in that room. To avoid this, you need to install proper insulation at your windows. This can be an easy task.
How To: Save money by insulating your water pipes
If you look around your home, there are numerous areas that can be worked on to help you save money and energy. From your tv, to your laptop, to even your sink, it's all around you. You can even find it in your basement. Those water pipes that are exposed underground, are perfect areas of where you can easily save money.
How To: Save energy and money by changing your light bulbs
Saving energy is as easy as 1,2,3! There are various places in your home where you can spend money on that will not only save you energy, but money as well. One of the most common and easiest places is the light fixtures. From sconces, to lamps, to the lights above your dining room table, these lights can be replaced with more energy efficient lights easily. They cost a bit more, but in the long haul will save you money and help leave a smaller footprint on this planet.
How To: Be wary of vampire voltage
Vampire voltage may sound like the next Sci-Fi channel original movie, but it's not. It's something that lives in your very home and can be affecting your energy bill even as you read this. Basically vampire voltage is an appliance that is using electricty although it's not being used. Computers, microwaves, blu-ray disk players, etc are examples of vampires.
How To: Install reflective film on your storm door
Applying a restrictive film on your storm door is a smart and great energy saving method. During the long summer months, if any sunlight hits your storm door, it can not only damage the look of your door, but cause your home to become much hotter than you need it to be.
How To: Save money and energy using a compact fluorescent bulb
If you haven't made the switch to compact fluorescent bulbs, what are you waiting for? These bulbs produce the same amount of light as the old bulbs, but produce less heat and zap less energy away from your home. That can lead to you saving money and doing more for the environment.
How To: Save energy by installing a solar water heater
Saving energy in your home is as easy as pie. There are many areas of the home that you can tackle. One area that can be helpful is the water heater. There are a couple of water heaters that you can use to not only save energy but money. One way is by using an active or passive solar water heating system.
How To: Make a sand snake to help save energy
If you don't know what a sand snake is or what it does, it's basically something that is used to help you save energy and money. It's bigger than weatherstripping and can be just as effective.
How To: Insulate your exterior walls
Having proper insulation in your home is one of the best, and important, ways to save energy in your home. There are many ways to help make sure that you're home is energy efficient. There are ways to help add insulation to the exterior of your walls to help with owning a nice and updated home.
How To: Check to see if your home is energy efficient
If you're wondering if your home is energy efficient, there is an easy way to check. For some cities in the U.S., you can actually call people to come over to your house and test the efficiency of your home. It's a great way to tell if you're saving energy and what you need to work on.
How To: Install weatherstripping on a door to save energy
There are many ways that you can save money and energy in your home. One of the most obvious takes place at the entrance of your home: doors. Weatherstripping a door is a smart and simple way to help ensure that the outside air stays out and the inside air stays in.
How To: Manage the humidity in your home
You may not realize it, but there are ways that you can manage the humidity that is inside of your home. Too much or too little can affect how comfortable you are inside and can even damage certain parts of your home as well.
How To: Use a fireplace insert to keep your home efficient
A fireplace is a great tool to use during the cold winter months. It can be used to help set a mood or just to keep you and others warm. But when the fire is out, it's important to close off the entrance to prevent any cold air from coming in and any warm air from leaving. The best, and cheapest, way to do this is by creating a fireplace insert.
How To: Use a humidifier during winter
It may not sound like an obvious solution, but using a humidifier during the cold winter months, can actually be more efficient and make your home more comfortable. Having low humidity levels inside your home cause several things to occur, but one being the use of your furnace. This can raise prices and cause you to waste more energy.
How To: Save money, but still be comfortable during winter
If you are looking to save money and energy, but hate you have to do it during winter, that can be a problem. For some, saving money and energy usually means giving up warm air and having to be cold. But there are ways that you can still do both.
How To: Keep your windows sealed to prevent loss of energy
If you live in an older home with windows that are aged, it's a smart idea to make sure they're sealed correctly. Doing so can not only result in a loss of energy in your home, but prevent cool or warm air from entering your home. It's a great and easy way to save on costs.
How To: Install insulation for a water heater
There are many ways that you can lose energy and heat in your home, and one of the most common ways is by the water heater. It may not seem like it, but you can lose a lot of money and energy when using your water heater. So it's important to take the necessary steps when you want to save energy and money. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to install an insulation jacket for your electric or gas water heater. Good luck, be safe, and enjoy!
How To: Easily make your home energy efficient with plastic
If you're trying to save some cash, as well as help the environment, there are many things that you can do around your home that will help. One thing you can do is use plastic. There are many different uses for plastic and it comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They are most commonly used in caulks and sealants and can help prevent any cold or warm air from leaving the home, saving you money and energy. If you're interested in finding out what else you can do, check out this tutorial abov...
How To: Make a pine cone bird feeder
There are so many beautiful birds that fly around. This video shows you how to draw those birds to your yard by making a pinecone birdfeeder.
How To: Make an outdoor wood stove enclosure with roofing tin
There is really no limit to the recycling that a somewhat handy person can do given only some tools and a good supply of scrap. This video walks you through one recycling project, making a wood-burning stove enclosure for your yard using only old roofing tin. If you have access to a wood-burning stove and some old roofing tin scraps, then this video should be very helpful to you.
How To: Make a trash can compost bin
Soil is arguably one of the most important ingredients when starting a garden. Buying it from the store is easy, but sometimes store bought soil doesn't work as well. Now making your own soil, cannot only help make your garden grow, but gets rid of unwanted fruits and veggies. So in this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to make a trash can compost bing using some easy to find ingredients. So check out this tutorial to find out more and good luck!