Go Green at Home with These Eco-Friendly DIY Projects

Despite the challenges that the two-month lockdown brought, there is no denying that it did a world of good for the environment. Restricted movement resulted in cleaner air, more animal sightings and clearer skies, among other things. Now, as relaxations set in, and we slowly return to our daily routines, we run the risk of going back to old behaviours and making the same mistakes.

So, as the world celebrates Environment Day, it’s time to make a conscious effort and do your bit to help save the planet. Wondering how? Well, it’s easier than you think! Here’s a list of DIY projects that you can turn into environmentally friendly habits:

Reusable T-Shirt Bags

You probably have been hearing it for ages; so if you haven’t already, now’s a great time to ditch plastic bags and opt for reusable bags. And you can make these at home from any old tees that you planned to throw. These bags are lightweight yet sturdy enough to hold several items and reusable. Leave a few in your car or roll one up and carry it in your handbag so that you’re covered on an impromptu shopping run.

What to do: Turn an old t-shirt inside out, cut off the sleeves, widen the neck and sew the bottom. The neck serves as the opening and the sleeves as the handles. You can use different sized t-shirts to make bags of various sizes. And remember to wash the bags often to keep them clean.

All-Purpose Homemade Cleaner

Chemical cleaners can harm not only the environment but your skin as well. But you can swap these and use things lying in your pantry, like baking soda and vinegar to whip up homemade cleaners that are easy on your wallet and the earth. These cleaners are pretty effective too.

What to do: Make a paste of baking soda and warm water to remove spots from stainless steel utensils and make them shine. Or make an all-purpose cleaner with one part vinegar, one part water, a few drops of lemon juice and a few drops of essential oil to clean counters, floors and other surfaces.

Homemade Lip Balm

With a few ingredients and in a few simple steps, you can make your own lip balm right at home! Not only will this 100% natural balm give your lips all the nourishment they need, but it also eliminates the need to buy multiple little plastic containers.

What to do: Melt beeswax, extra virgin coconut oil, shea butter and organic raw honey and blend them. Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a container. You can add essential oils for flavour or rose and beetroot for colour. There are other ways you can customise it to make this recipe your own.

Recycled Planters

There’s nothing adding a few plants in your home to make it a little green and lively. And the best part – you can use your own creative homemade planters to get started. Besides, being pretty pieces of home décor, these DIY planters are a great way to recycle waste items.

What to do: Turn wide-mouth glass jars and containers into beautiful planters by painting the exteriors. Fill about three-quarter of the jar with soil and add your choice of seed to it. Place it in a sunny spot and water it regularly. Other items you can use include small wooden crates or coconut shells to create similar planters.

T-Shirt Cushion Covers

Even if you cannot wear them, vintage sports, band and graphic superhero tees are too precious to throw away. Instead of letting them collect dust, turn them into a comfy cushion covers that instantly uplift your home décor and offer a cool new look.

What to do: Place the t-shirt print-side up, cut open the sides and remove the sleeves and neck lining. Next, cut the back into two halves so that that overlap. Stitch together all the pieces, but leave some space at the back to stuff the cushion and sew the opening in the end.

Adopting even a few Eco-friendly habits on an individual level can play a significant role in protecting the environment; not to mention it could encourage others to adopt similar practices.

Ford’s Sustainability Efforts

At Ford, we make a conscious effort to adopt sustainable practices that help reduce our carbon footprint. Globally, Ford recycles 1.2 billion plastic bottles every year to make underbody shields, wheel liners and even seats on several popular models.

The foam in the cushioned seats, backrests and headrests of Ford cars are made using sustainable Soy. Between 2008 and 2017, Ford saved more than 228 million pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere by using Soy Foam. This is the same amount that would be consumed by 4 million trees per year, according to North Carolina State University.

Recently, Ford collaborated with McDonalds in the US to use coffee beans in vehicle parts such as headlamp housing. The two companies are working on converting coffee chaff – the dried skin of the bean that naturally comes off during the roasting process — into a durable material to reinforce certain vehicle parts.

So, this World Environment Day, #GoFurther and make a conscious effort to save the planet by adopting greener practices and choosing brands that do so as well.