Enviromentally friendly DIY

Welcome to the D.I.Y Shed environment page.

There are many changes you can make to your property to protect the enviroment and many of them will help reduce your bills and pay for themselves. The UK goverment has been promoting the idea of energy savings and reducing your carbon footprint. Here are some ideas:

Self Generation

Microgeneration is the latest buzzword with regards energy efficiency. The installation of a small wind turbine or a solar pannel can help cut your electricity bill. You will need to check with your local planning department to ensure that your new device does not cause problems.

Lighting

Replacing your existing filament lamps with fluorescent tubes is a straightforward job but you could also consider installing stylish low voltage LED lights which use very little power and unlike other lamps do not get hot.

Insulation

Loft insulation has always been a good idea and will normally pay for itself in one winter. It's easy to install but care needs to be taken to use gloves and a mask to avoid getting a rash from the glass fibre. Draft excluders and door seals are also good investments.

Composting

To reduce your demands on the waste collection services you can create a compost heap in your garden. This turns waste matter into a useful fertiliser you can uses on your plants.

Water

Given the recent problems with water in the UK, why not install one or more water butts that you can use for watering your garden.

Gardening

Planting shrubs and trees in your garden will provide shade (hence reducing the need for wasteful cooling devices), use CO2 and generate oxygen.

For more D.I.Y in the garden ideas then visit our sister site, Garden Shed