Ways To Make Your Shed More Eco-Friendly
Sheds are often predominantly used for the care of the garden they’re nestled in. But could they be doing more to give back to the environment they’re based in and used for? We explore a few ways you can make any shed more eco-friendly, to really maximise its green factor.
Install A Green Roof
One of the best ways to make garden sheds more green is to literally make them more green. Green roofs are increasingly popular these days, as the world becomes more and more environmentally conscious. And there are good reasons for this.
For one thing, rather than obstructing wildlife, they encourage it. Birds, bees, butterflies, and other insects can nest on green roofs. Planted with sedum, wildflowers, and grasses, they also oxygenate their environment, converting CO2 into oxygen and cleaner air. This is particularly welcome in built-up, urban areas.
Install Compost And Water Containers
Installing a guttering system under the eaves of your shed is a relatively simple job. You can then easily direct collected water from it through piping into a water butt rain storage container. You’ll collect what you need to water the garden and plants naturally, meaning no need to run the taps.
You can increase your gardening self-sufficiency by also installing your own composting container. No more bagged stuff from the shop. Making your own compost from garden and food waste means reducing your contribution to commercial compost and waste industries. Mass processing and transportation in these industries use a lot of fuel and energy. The more people who are self-sufficient at home, the less energy is used, less transportation, and fewer carbon emissions.
Place your compost bin in the shade of your shed, to shelter it from more extreme weather changes. Composting works best under stable conditions. Both rain storage and compost containers are fairly inexpensive and could save you money in the long run, as well as reduce your carbon footprint.
Use Water Based Treatments
Timber sheds will ideally want some wood preserver to protect them from heavy weathering. A lot of wood treatments are oil-based, however. Oil-based treatments have a more harmful impact on air quality as they evaporate. They’re also much harder to dissolve and clean up. Doing so results in hazardous waste, whereas water-based treatments are easy to clean and dispose of without harm.
To treat wooden sheds in a more environmentally conscious way, use water-based treatments made from higher percentages of sustainable resources.
Affix Bird Houses, Bird Feeders, And Bug Hotels
Another way to stimulate and protect wildlife with your shed is by creating and affixing shelters or feeders. From seed-dispersing birds to pollinating bees, you can help them thrive even in urban areas.
Garden sheds provide natural sheltering for these animals if you affix simple bird houses, feeders, or bee hotels. They’re not too expensive to buy ready-made or can be a fun DIY project with plenty of tutorials online to help you. Not only do these refuges protect wildlife, but they can make for an attractive, homely shed feature.
If you’re in Yorkshire and surrounding areas and are looking for a great new shed you can make eco-friendly, get in touch with Timclad Ltd (York Timber) today.