Hot Eco-Friendly How-Tos

How To: Recycle plastic bottles in unexpected eco-friendly ways

We'd never tell you not to recycle plastic water bottles, but there are other ways to reduce and reuse these commonly consumed products. And when we say "other ways," we mean ways that you've never even thought about.

How To: Install a water heater wrap

Check out this video to learn from Owen Bailey how to save money and energy by installing a water heater insulation wrap.

How To: Install a low-flow showerhead

Watch this video to see Owen Bailey show you how to install a low-flow shower head to reduce water consumption and energy use.

How To: Make your own eco-bird feeder

Watch this video to learn from architect Michelle how to creatively reuse disposable chopsticks to make a unique and lovely eco-bird feeder.

How To: Make an energy saving water wall from water bottles

Watch this video to learn how to create a beautiful and practical water wall (or water bottle wall) for energy savings at home. it helps to cut down the amount of sunlight that enters your home. You can make a frame that will fit into your window.

How To: Do lime washing

If you're not Tom Sawyer it might be hard to get someone else to do your washing. Watch this video to learn how to do lime washing yourself.

How To: Apply lime plastering

Eager to start your lime plastering project? Check out this video to gain some advice from two pros!

How To: Use a cold frame for the outdoor plants

This video from Garden Time shows you how to use a cold frame to protect your outdoor plants from the winter months.

How To: Make papercrete

RyanIsHungry has put together a nice video of Mikey Sklar and Wendy Tremayne making papercrete at their future hotel Green Acre in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. This is an eco-friendly construction compound made from garbage. This is an insulation compound. It's kind of like industrial grade paper mache.

How To: Make a compost-heated hot water outdoor shower

A short demonstration on how to build a compost powered hot shower. This is a part of the greater effort for permaculture in desert living.

How To: Learn the basics of compost

Be green and eco-friendly by learning about compost. This video shows the basics of compost, composting materials, and the different methods of composting.

How To: Insulate your electrical outlets and conserve energy

Every wall switch and outlet on an outside wall is a hole in your wall. Here's how to insulate them while conserving energy and being eco-friendly.

How To: Fight climate change with cow dung

Cow manure contains methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Farmers who collect and burn methane keep it out of the atmosphere while generating clean electricity.

How To: Make a rocket stove with twigs and solar power

Vavrek shows how to build a twig-powered cooking stove from scratch.This demonstrates a basic portable solar cooker.

How To: Install a solar powered wireless security camera

Video tutorial showing how to make your own solar-powered wireless security camera using an off-the-shelf solar panel and any wireless webcam. See creator site for more detailed graphics.

How To: Salvage old barn wood

Do you have an old barn or building on your property? Don't just tear it down. Reuse the wood for a project in your home or on your land. Watch this video for tips on how you can salvage barn wood to give something old a new life.

How To: eliminate Vampire power (wasted energy)

Dig this. 40% of the energy consumed in your home is from appliances that are allegedly 'off'.

How To: Conserve water

Water is an essential for human life, but the balance between supply and demand is becoming a crucial issue. The amount of water we use, a waste, in day to day life has a direct impact on the environment. Conserve water.

How To: Build a rainwater collection system

Recycle your rainwater and keep your landscaping looking healthy, the eco-friendly way. Building a rainwater collection system is fast, easy and can save you money on your water bill. Build a rainwater collection system.

How To: Insulate your attic

Want to save money, save energy and save the planet? Head to the attic. Sixty million American homes are estimated to have under-insulated attics.

How To: Prepare used cooking oil for biodiesel fuel

Follow these simple steps and learn how you can save yourself some money, yard work and the environment. An educational video that explains how to prepare used cooking oil for biodiesel. Prepare used cooking oil for biodiesel fuel.

How To: Conserve water & prevent water waste

Get some facts on how you can prevent water waste!

How To: Build a cardboard chair

We recycle cardboard, but Gomi Style is going to re-use the cardboard and create chairs with the fine found material. The gang at Gomi style made a two different types of chairs from tossed out cardboard, simple and easy

How To: Make homemade biodiesel fuel

Making biodiesel is easier than you think, and great for the environment. See for yourself, using inexpensive items available at most grocery stores! You need methanol, vegetable oil and lye. Make homemade biodiesel fuel.

How To: Use a 60 gallon rain barrel

Video shows how to collect rainwater with a 60 gallon rain barrel. Video discusses the importance of recycling rain water and the advantages of using it at home.

How To: Conserve water at home

In these videos our experts, two ladies who have been involved in city level water management and conservation for years, will show you how make your residence more water efficient. They’ll give you tips on where to look for leaks, both indoors and outdoors, as well as how to inspect the kitchen and bathroom for water overuse, adjust the hot water heater, and when to water your lawn for maximum effectiveness.

How To: Compost with a stainless steel pail

Video shows how to start composting at home using a stainless steel compost pail. A quick and easy tip to creating compost while performing other tasks. Watch video for best results.

How To: Use a tumbleweed compost bin

Lars explains how to use a tumbleweed compost bin. A very quick and easy process is key into creating compost for your garden. Watch video for best results.

How To: Use a recycled plastic compost bin

Lars explains how to use a recycled plastic compost bin. Video shows how bin has no bottom to help your soil stay biologically active. Watch video for best results.

How To: Vermicompost

Composting is a great alternative to throwing out kitchen waste and can be used as fertilizer in your garden.

How To: Check if your toilet is leaking

This episode of Real World Green shows us how to identify and fix a leaky, water-wasting toilet.

How To: Eliminate the use of wasted energy

Did you know that 40% of the energy consumed in your home is from appliances that are off? Learn how to eliminate this "Vampire Power," save energy, and lower your power bill.

How To: Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent

The first episode of Real World Green goes over the advantages to your wallet, your health, and your world by replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.