An interest in eco-friendly pursuits has no doubt led you down a number of paths where your home is concerned. Perhaps you have installed a recycling center complete with color coded cans for every conceivable product that can be re-used in some way. Or maybe you have chosen to forego traditional means of energy in exchange for non-polluting sources like solar or wind. You might also have gone the extra step to ensure a reduction of your carbon footprint by insisting on green building materials in your home (from concrete framing and flooring to reclaimed cabinets and tile). And yet, there is probably one area of your home that persists in defying your will to greenify. And that room is your garage. From a gas-guzzling family car to chemicals, paints, and any number of harmful products, you just can’t seem to take the same tack with your carport that you do with the rest of your home. However, there are a few things you can do to make this offensive space a little more eco-friendly.
- Go electric. The best and quickest way to green up your garage is to swap your hydrocarbon-spewing SUV for an all-electric, no emission vehicle. You may be understandably reticent to toss the keys to your minivan since there have not been a lot of good alternative options. But misconceptions about electric cars have no doubt clouded your judgment. People seem to think that they are small and slow, but with new advances providing more options all the time, you’re sure to find an everyday car that fits the needs of your family without polluting the planet. Not convinced? At least opt for a hybrid.
- Don’t dump. If you find that, like most garages, yours is filled with oil and gas cans, unused paint (full of harmful VOCs), and various other chemicals that will pollute the environment if dumped down the drain, then look into ways to recycle them. Many garages will take used oil off your hands for free (although some will charge a small fee) and extra gasoline can be donated to the neighborhood kid who mows the lawn (better than dumping it). Paints and other chemicals can often be collected by your local trash company for safe disposal (they usually offer one free pickup per household each year).
- Recycle tires. There are all sorts of ways to recycle rubber products, but one of the most inventive is to use them as planters. Just hang them on the exterior wall of your garage or shed, fill the bottom with soil, and plant some snapdragons, morning glories, or any local varietal you please. Another good use that is coming into fashion is using stacked tires filled with packed dirt or concrete to form outbuildings or other structures. They are surprisingly sturdy and weather-resistant.
- Open a green door. You may not even realize that eco-friendly garage doors exist, but when you hear about the many benefits they provide, you may wonder why everyone isn’t on the bandwagon. These composite polymer doors are made from recycled materials (a minimum of 88%, but often as high as 100%), they hold in more heat than wood or aluminum, they’re UV and moisture resistant (no rotting, splitting, or warping), and they often cost less than traditional products, to boot!
- Keep it clean and green. To de-clutter your storage space, consider buying eco-fabric canvas bins made from organic cotton or pick up some bamboo boxes, and then use recycled glass jars for smaller items. Finalize your efforts by filling your space with green cleaning products to ensure that you’re not pouring harmful chemicals down the drain every time you scrub your kitchen.
Jamie Myers is a writer for Cheap Car Insurance, an auto insurance comparison site that helps you find the best deal on auto insurance.
