Are you ready for Earth Day? In case you're unaware, Earth Day falls on April 22nd and is a celebration of our fantastic planet. It is also a reminder to take care of the Earth in any way we can, no matter how small. If you want to do something to make the world a little greener this Earth Day, consider using some PVC! PVC pipe will last for years, which is great news for those who are environmentally conscious! It is also recyclable and can be broken down to make new products if it is properly disposed of.
Due to PVC piping's versatility, lots of creative DIY-ers have developed green and eco-friendly projects that will help you have a positive environmental impact. Some of these projects also make gardening and growing your own produce easier! Instructions for each of these projects can be found by clicking their respective pictures!
1. Rain Barrel with PVC Pipe
With parts of the U.S. in drought, people are looking for any way to save water possible. This ingenious rain barrel design collects rain water in large trash cans and dispenses it through a system of PVC piping. This contraption even has a spigot, so you can fill up your watering can or any other vessel that needs water. Over time, you might save money as well as water, as this could cut down on your utility bill depending on how much you use it.
2. PVC Worm Tube Composting
A worm tube sounds pretty weird, right? Well it's a lot cooler than it is weird. Composting is great because it recycles all your organic waste, such as food scraps, and turns them into useful compost that helps you grow even more food! Yum. This tube uses underground holes to allow worms inside to digest and compost organic waste that you put in the top. This means you don't have to turn or spread the compost at all. The worms do all the work. Also, it works year-round, since worms don't hibernate.
3. Fold-Down PVC Greenhouse
Greenhouses provide extra humidity to plants. They also protect plants from frost that could be very dangerous to them. Not everyone can afford (or has space for) an actual greenhouse, so this small PVC "greenhouse" is a great solution! Its hinged design allows it to fold up when you don't need it and fold down when you do. This greenhouse will help you cultivate your own little patch of paradise!
4. Portable PVC Clothesline
Though clotheslines may sound like a thing of the past, many people still use them to save money on electricity and water. Those same reasons also make them environmentally friendly. This clothesline has five lines that are close together, making it extremely space-efficient! This guide was made for RV campers, but this design could easily be used to hang off a porch or any other outdoor structure.
5. Vertical PVC Pipe Strawberry Tower
Want a lot of strawberries but have very little space? No problem. This strawberry tower fits in a ton of strawberries into one space. All you have to do is pour water in the top and watch them grow! Similar products are available in stores, but making your own would be less expensive and more fun!
6. Floating Window Planter
If you want to bring some green inside your home, try one of these PVC floating window planters. These fun planters use chains to attach to your windowsill, making them sturdy and secure. The ends of the pipes are closed off, so no water or soil will leak out Also, these planters are completely customizable, so you can match them to any room imaginable. As you can see, any kind of plant can be put in these planters, so you can let your imagination run wild!
7. Aquaponic Veggie and Fish Farm
Okay, so this one definitely needs an explanation. This small structure grows produce in a vertical planter that efficiently uses water that then filters through to fish in barrels below. The nutrient-rich waste from the fish is pumped back to the planters with the water, acting as fertilizer that helps plants grow faster! The vertical planters can produce much more vegetation that a similar-sized horizontal planter, meaning these are great for efficient produce farming. This veggie and fish farm is a must for any backyard farmers!
These are just a few of the limitless possibilities when it comes to green PVC uses! Whether you're trying to save some water, make your home brighter, or grow your own produce, these projects will help you have a great Earth Day!
