http://www.care2.com/greenliving/why-diy.html
Why DIY?
Calling all Do-It-Yourselfers, this post’s for you. Whether it’s a massive project like a home remodel or making candles for your holiday table, Green DIYers reduce their eco-footprint daily by making conscious choices to create rather than buy.
I used to believe that you either had it or you didn’t–the DIY gene. Well, I’ll let you in on a secret, DIY can be learned and it can be greened. So don’t worry if you think you don’t have a creative bone in your body. DIY is all about having fun and enjoying the process of learning by doing. Because you are creating it yourself, the product and the process is all yours.
Why DIY?
• To minimize cost.
• To personalize and customize projects.
• To create one-of-a-kind items.
• To make gifts that show you care.
• To be challenged to figure out how things work.
• To learn a new skill and keep your mind engaged.
• To enjoy a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of creating something useful and beautiful.
• To share something meaningful to you.
• To reduce your environmental footprint.
• To have fun.
Even if you don’t mine the home, design, craft and eco Web sites, magazines and books like I do, storing your ideas and documenting your projects is easy when you create a DIY Design File. One of my favorite websites for DIY ideas Design Sponge shows you how to make eco-friendly notebooks, using beautiful recycled paper, that would be perfect for your unique DIY file.
What goes into your DIY file?
• Ideas.
• Projects.
• Inspiration layouts for decorating.
• Pictures from sources, before and after pictures.
• Pieces of materials (paper, yarn, thread, buttons, fringe, etc.).
• Photographs of your process and finished creations.
• Notes, doodles, clippings or whatever strikes your fancy.
And if you don’t want or have time to create a physical file, Domino magazine has an online program that lets you try out ideas for your nest.
The winter holidays are the perfect time to create magic for your EcoNest. I’ll provide you with a weekly dose of DIY, and I would love to hear how you DIY. Hey, we could start a DIY Care2 Movement!
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
22 comments
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Kabin
Konteyner,Prefabrik
mega kabin
Konteyner
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Another additional benefit of DIY is the accumulation of new tools. I now have a variety of hand and power tools that I've purchased for far less than the cost of the labor, if I had to hire someone to do the work for me. Having the right tools means that I can do more DIY projects, saving even more money in the long run. My son has also taken a great interest in how things work just by observing my own DIY work. These are great skills that he will carry throughout his life, giving him an advantage over those who don't have a clue as to how to fix things.
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Thanks for all your thoughtful comments. Jeanne, getting the job done right is another great reason to DIY. Amalthea, there are so many fun baby gifts to make. Here’s a link to a site where you’ll find patterns for baby clothes http://www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com/baby-clothes.html I like to make baby baskets and handknit items for baby gifts too.
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Thanks for the tips. A friend of mine is having a baby, if anyone has any DIY baby ideas (i.e. sewing patterns) please send me a care2 message. :)
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We have just moved into an older house, and we are doing all the remodeling and repairs ourselves. This is partly to save money and partly the knowledge that if we do it ourselves, it's done exactly how we want.
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Thanks for the idea; and while we're at it we can change out all the light bulbs to compact fluorescent (if we haven't already) ;-}~
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As I am reading this, my boyfriend and I are watching DIY shows on TV. Weird, but does say we are DIYers at heart. We have been doing many little projects at our new house. The latest is breaking through the hard pan to allow our trees a chance to grow strong and not die from root rot.
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I think.... GREAT IDEA
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I used to have this kind of box too as a child and I still make most of my presents too, its much more satisfying and I really like to recycle everything possible!
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most of my clothes are patchwork and I never throw anything away - jars can be recycled or reused for spices and herbs, fabric for clothes, cardboard for card and making home made paper....
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