Sustainability

Go greener with these sustainable living tips and tricks for how to make your house more environmentally friendly.

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Homeowner’s Guide: What Is Carbon Footprint?

How we live, what we buy and how we get around contribute to our carbon footprint. Here's how to calculate...


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Reader Project: Like Father, Like Son

David Moore and his family know a thing or two about putting repurposed building materials to good use. Read his...


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What Are Forever Chemicals?

Forever chemicals hang around in the environment, causing health problems like cancer and obesity. Find out where they are and...


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6 Types of Renewable Energy

All types of renewable energy are cleaner and last longer than non-renewable energy. All we need is technology to convert...


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What Is Polyvinyl Alcohol and How Does It Impact the Environment?

Dish and laundry pods are handy, but we're only just starting to learn how they harm waterways, animals and our...


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10 Sustainable Furniture Companies To Know

Fight the wasteful tides of fast furniture by supporting one of these sustainable furniture companies.


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How Is Solar Energy Used in Homes?

Looking for ways to reduce your dependency on fossil fuels and power your home with solar energy? Here are some...


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A Complete Checklist for Maintaining Your E-Bike

Your safety and your E-bike's lifespan depend on proper maintenance. Luckily, it's not too complicated. Here's how to keep it...

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How Electric Cars With Solar Panels Are Changing the Game

Self-charging an electric car with solar panels makes sense. But there's a reason we don't see more integrated solar panels...


9 Carbon Footprint Facts You Never Knew

From your sidewalk to your cordless drill, here are a few carbon footprint facts that might surprise you, and help...


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11 Ways To Become More Self-Sustaining at Home

Making our homes sustainable is also a win for our wallets and health. From parties to pergolas, here are some...


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What Is Composting In Place and How Do You Do It?

Enrich your soil, improve its structure, and give your plants a much-needed nutrient boost the easy, sustainable way, with composting...


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What Exactly Is a Bioswale?

You've likely already seen these planted ditches on the side of the road. Here's how they work.


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How To Avoid Microplastics at Home

Scientists estimate we consume a half pound of plastic a year. Here's how to reduce your exposure to microplastics.


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What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are pervasive in the air, soil, water — and our homes. Learn about where they come from, where they're...


Inside Family Handyman’s Sustainable Studio at Dodge Nature Center

See how Family Handyman is making an impact in the world around us.


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What Is a Circular Economy?

The buzzphrase sounds cryptic, but it's actually a simple concept you're probably already moving toward. Let's dive in.

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Traditional vs. Sustainable Building Materials

With sustainable building materials becoming more available to DIYers, let's examine how they compare with their traditional counterparts.


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How to Frame a Structure Using Energy-Saving Techniques

Here's a framing technique that maximizes insulation space and reduces heat transfer through the walls.


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What Are Ecobricks and How Can You Use Them?

Find out how to transition single-use plastic into building materials at home for free with our handy guide to ecobricking.


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Are Plastic Bags Recyclable?

Yes! But there are caveats. Here's how to figure out which single-use bags are recyclable and where to take them.


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Plastic Free July: How to Start Reducing Your Plastic Waste

If you're looking to live a more sustainable life but don't know where to start, consider taking up the Plastic...


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What To Know About Portable Solar Panels

For working and camping off-grid, portable solar panels help you ditch the noise and fumes of generators. Here's what to...

Gardyn Microgreens Growing Kit Review

Looking for a superfood that’s easy to grow indoors? We found it.


6 Ways Your Home Contributes to Pollution (and How To Stop It)

The struggle to curb and control pollution begins at home. Here are six types of household pollution you can actually...


7 Best Eco-Friendly Dishwashers to Save the Environment (and Your Wallet)

The best eco-friendly dishwashers are tough on grease, yet light on energy. Your utility bill and the environment will thank...


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How to Build a Recycling Bin That Fits Into Your Cabinet

In this project, we will show you how to DIY a pull-out for storing trash, compost and recycling inside a...


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12 Common Chicken Coop Mistakes

These mistakes can be life-threatening to your feathered friends.


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What To Know About Portable Solar Power Systems

Want to bring your coffeemaker camping or run your jigsaw off-grid? You can do that with a portable solar power...