DIY Modern technology has given us some amazing materials. Even with limited spare time we have the hands-on power to make major changes to our own homes – but sometimes this freedom comes at a price. We have easy access to a whole host of powerful and poisonous chemicals, and can casually purchase wood plundered […]
Avoid toxic products One of the best ways to put yourself off using many DIY products is to look at the packet – the recommended precautions can read like a horror story. If you really need to use them, always protect yourself; use sparingly; store carefully (remember where you put the old container, so you […]
Use sustainable products Timber: Wood is a renewable natural resource, but the Earth can produce only so much, and Britain is one of the largest overconsumers in the world. For new wood and wood products, ensure anything you buy carries the logo of the Forest Stewardship Council, which indicates that it has come from responsibly […]
‘Construction and demolition create millions of tonnes of wood waste every year. Very little of this is currently reclaimed or recycled’ (Association for Environment-Conscious Building) Use what’s already there Using found materials can take time and effort – you may have to remove nails and screws, or spend time dismantling and cleaning your finds. Adapting […]
Use less, enjoy more Sometimes it’s worth taking a step back, and working out what it is that really satisfies you. Why are you DIY-ing? Do you need to rip everything out and start afresh? – or is a subtle revamp all your heart really desires? Are you doing the work because of what you […]
The Green Choices DIY section explains the environmental issues surrounding DIY: sources of wood and other materials, toxic chemicals including paints and waste of resources generally. But the DIY suppliers listed below are making greener DIY easier. Most of the suppliers are very knowledgeable about their products and can provide advice on them. Some also […]
Since my student days of ‘skip raiding’ I have always favoured second-hand, pre-loved furniture over new stuff. Apart from a few beds and a sofa 30 years ago, most of our furniture, and some of our curtains, have been acquired gradually from charity or second-hand shops, given by family, or bought at local auctions. We’ve […]
Modern technology has given us some amazing materials. Even with limited spare time we have the hands-on power to make major changes to our own homes – but sometimes this freedom comes at a price. We have easy access to a whole host of powerful and poisonous chemicals, and can casually purchase wood plundered from […]
“Britain’s 16 million gardens comprise somewhere between one and three million acres of land”. This is more than the total area protected by nature reserves. Gardening is a national obsession, and we do it for all kinds of reasons. To some it is all about creating a visual display, to others it is all about […]
Should I give up on growing hostas? The thing is, I like them, but so do slugs and snails! I don’t like using slug pellets because of the consequences of the nasty chemicals, so my hosta’s look good for a while and then end up chewed and tattered. I have tried lots of things – […]