As you are planning out this year’s spring home improvement projects, think about how you can do your part for the environment at the same time. Here are four environmentally-friendly spring home improvement projects that will enhance your property.
1. Spring Home Improvement Projects: Plant a Tree
Springtime is the perfect time to plant new vegetation. Planting a tree adds shade and beauty to your yard. Research what types of trees grow the best in your region. It’s also important to know how tall the tree will get and how wide the branches and root system will grow. Planting a tree near your house, driveway, or septic tank can cause damage.
2. Install a Clothesline
Some spring home improvement projects will reduce your carbon footprint. Using a clothesline will lower your energy consumption. If you have a small backyard, a retractable line is a handy solution. Attach the main body to your fence or house, and if possible, install the other end to a tree. If there is nothing near enough to string the line to, most manufacturers offer posts that can be planted into the ground.
Two other options are umbrella-style clotheslines and pop-ups. These space-saving clotheslines fold down on themselves when not in use.
3. Create a Compost Area
Spring home improvement projects that help the garden are popular at this time of year. Compost can be made from coffee grounds, eggshells, and fruit and vegetable peels. To create a compost pile, dig out a deep patch of grass, loosen up the soil, and water the spot. Throw in your grounds and peels, stir up the dirt, and water occasionally. Compost is a nutrient-rich substance that you can spread to flower beds and vegetable gardens to improve the soil. If you are planning to compost a lot, there are commercially-made compost bins that you hand-crank to aerate. Making your own compost is great for your garden and the environment.
4. Eco-Friendly Window Cleaning
Now that you can open up the windows, it is time to wash the winter grime off and let the sunshine in. To make an inexpensive and eco-friendly window cleaner, mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Add some drops of lemon essential oil to improve the scent. A homemade cleaning solution won’t have the harsh chemicals that many commercial options contain. Clean all of your windows to brighten up your home and reduce dust.
Spring Home Improvement Projects to Help the Environment
Some of the best improvements you can make in your home facilitate an eco-conscious lifestyle. Implement the above ideas to get your home ready for spring and make it more environmentally-friendly.
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