DIY GREEN HOME IMPROVEMENTS, REFURBISHMENT AND remodeling

There are a lot of DIY improvements you can make to your house that will have a big effect on reducing your 'carbon footprint'. Most can be done now at low or no cost.

Reduce energy use

• more insulation - wall cavity insulation is cheap, or add insulation inside, and insulate the attic by an extra 20cm
• seal up any large leaks in windows or doors, but be aware of ventilation
• insulate your water tank
• lower heating setting - wear a jumper!
• use a programmable heating control and use heating minimally
• set a lower water heater temperature

• increase your air conditioning setting - these are more common now in Britain
• switch off ceiling fans when you are not in the room
• if using air conditioning, keep your curtains or blinds shut when sunny
• check and change filters regularly on air conditioning or heating systems
• use a radiator booster fan to circulate air more effectively

• double or triple glazing
• more effective curtains and keep closed at dusk and night
• fit low energy compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 80% less energy
• turn off TV and appliances when not in use - even computer monitors when not attended
• turn off lights when a room is empty
• keep your fridge well-maintained and ice free - they use a lot of power
• make sure your computer has an energy saving mode when it is left unattended, and reduce the delay period

• use a shower not a bath, and install efficient showerheads
• invest in solar chargers for your phone and music player etc.
• keep your old TV - new LCDs and plasma TVs use over double the energy
• if upgrading buy A rated devices, especially fridges, as these are heavy power users over a year

• use lighter colours on walls - dark colours absorb more light, meaning you use more lighting and switch on lights earlier
• make sure dishwasher and washing machines are full as half-empty ones use a similar amount of energy
• hang clothes out to dry rather than use the spin dry function on the washer - this might be useful in the winter but don't use it is the weather is dry

• choose a 'green' energy supplier that uses renewable sources
• fit radiator insulation panels behind radiators, these reflect heat back into the room and save up to 20% of energy costs
• put the right amount of water in the electric kettle - don't fill it up every time for one cup

Generate your own power - microgeneration

• solar photovoltaic panels - expensive but good investment
• solar thermal water heating - cheap and effective
• heat pumps - if fitting a new heating system
• wood chip fueled boilers
• wind turbines - if you are in a windy place, most urban locations are not
• water wheel or micro-hydro installations
• biomass (more for commercial applications)

Reduce waste and water use

• use recycling services for all things, not just weekly waste
• organic waste should be composted
• fit dual mode cisterns for flushing, or add a filled bottle to reduce water volume
• store water in butts for gardening
• invest in rainwater harvesting and grey water systems
• reuse DIY materials, wood etc. and paint around the house
• keep a box or cupboard for DIY bits and pieces, screws etc. to reuse

Choose sustainable materials

• natural fibre carpets
• natural floorings
• FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) woods for carpentry and worksurfaces
• recycled materials for worksurfaces
• recycled materials for paving and roofing slabs
• use traditional building methods like wood, earth, cob, straw etc

Reduce direct damage to the living environment

• plant a diverse 'forest' style garden to increase biodiversity of animals, birds and plants
• if no garden, put out pots and tubs for plants, even a window box helps
• put out feed for birds in winter
• make or buy winter and breeding shelters for birds and small animals
• add a green roof, or just add plant boxes or trail plants over a shed
• reduce your meat intake - livestock is very damaging to the environment

Transportation

• walk more - good for your mental health too!
• use public transport
• cycle if not too dangerous
• choose a more efficient car to get more miles per gallon - not always a hybrid vehicle as these have many toxic components, perhaps an efficient diesel
• SUVs are too big, use too much fuel, if off-roaded destroy grass and shrubs
• SUVs are up to four times more likely to kill the people in another vehicle, than if hit by a normal car. Pedestrians are even more at risk, especially children.

Driving tips

• try 'hypermiling'- green or eco driving - saving fuel by low force acceleration and braking (even Jeremy Clarkson recommends it!)
• tyre pressures when set correctly will save 5% fuel consumption
• remove items from the boot that are not needed as they weigh you down
• run on a half or quarter tank, this saves a lot of weight too

And the do nots...

• do not waste water
• do not deck over your entire back garden
• do not concrete over your front garden for the car - if you must have a new drive surface use grasscrete or similar
• do not use gas or other outdoor space heaters
• do not use outdoor garden flares - use solar lights
• do not use plastics or metals if possible
• do not use store bags, take your own

Avoid 'greenwash'

• don't exaggerate how good you are unless you live in a tepee with no power
• ...and also walk everywhere (bicycles are high embodied energy, manufactured usually in China)
• be aware of ludicrous 'green' ads from car manufacturers
• no airplanes are green, it is all relative
• big companies highlight small things they do that are green then publicise them
• governments say many things, not all of them are true

For detailed DIY advice, see if your local council or DIY superstore has a free guide.