You can save money and the planet when you learn to do certain things yourself. Embracing a DIY approach allows you to reduce reliance on commercial products and services, which often come with a hefty price tag and a larger carbon footprint. This way, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating or fixing things yourself while making a meaningful impact on both your wallet and the planet’s health.
1. DIY Rain Barrel
A DIY rain barrel is an excellent way to gather rainwater for your gardening needs, and you can easily set one up using a food-grade drum along with a mesh filter. This simple system not only helps you conserve water but also cuts down on your water expenses, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for any garden enthusiast. By collecting rainwater, you can ensure that your plants receive the hydration they need while minimising your environmental footprint.
2. DIY Shampoo and Conditioner
Create your own eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner by crafting shampoo bars or conditioners at home. You can use natural ingredients like coconut oil, which is great for moisturising, along with castile soap for a gentle cleansing effect. To enhance the fragrance and add therapeutic benefits, incorporate your favourite essential oils into the mix. This not only allows you to customise your hair care routine but also helps reduce plastic waste by eliminating the need for traditional bottled products.
3. DIY Composting
If you’re looking to start composting at home, consider building an easy compost bin in your backyard using either wooden pallets or plastic containers. This eco-friendly practice not only helps decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills but also gives you a fantastic source of free fertilizer to enrich your garden soil. By composting, you can turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost, promoting healthier plants and a more sustainable lifestyle.
4. Home Care and Maintenance
A home can almost be like a full time job. Any property, even new ones, require maintenance and care. From the roof to the basement, and the kitchen to the yard, you need to look after the house. This even includes getting rid of pests. Pests can cause health issues. But at the least they can cause some minor damage to your property. For example, you may need boxelder bug insecticide to get rid of them.
5. Healthy, Delicious and Nutritious Meals
It seems like there is no end to the cost of living these days, and food bills are a part of it. Even for a childless couple, bills can get out of hand. One of the main reasons food costs so much is that we rely on pre-prepared meals, convenience food and eating out. However, you can save a lot of money by learning to cook fresh food. It takes no time at all and you can have a lot of fun doing it. Food prepared by yourself costs a fraction of the cost of meals made by someone else.
