Green living and sustainable practices are the best ways to take care of your environment and when it comes to the residents of Boulder, they take that VERY seriously. Praise them! But, what are some of their strategies?

Well, there are many; from solar-powered houses to community gardens. Boulder has made a name for itself, plus the city’s become synonymous with the environment – and for a good reason. People are increasingly coming up with ways to improve their gardens beyond just aesthetics.

If you’re looking into sustainable storage solutions for your outdoor space with the same goals, here are some fantastic ideas you can use to transform your backyard.

The Need for Sustainable Storage

Renovating your backyard involves more than just aesthetics; you look for some practical and effective solutions for storing tools, equipment, and all those items that are seasonal. With that said, you also have to remember that conventional storage solutions might not be concordant with Boulder’s environmental values, so think outside the box for a moment.

Sustainable storage solutions will fit both utility and eco-friendliness at the same time, making them perfect for homeowners looking to organize their space while reducing their environmental footprint. The best news is that you don’t need to sacrifice anything, because they are not only eco-friendly options, but they also enhance the visual appeal of your yard.

There are many options for customized designs and sustainable materials, that give you the possibility of creating something unique and really yours.

Choosing Sustainable Materials

You can’t create a sustainable storage shed if you are not using sustainable materials for construction. If you want your storage shed to be eco-friendly, you should use materials from recycled or sustainably sourced materials like reclaimed wood or recycled plastic.

If you are wondering why these materials are a good option here is a simple explanation. These materials minimize waste and require fewer resources to produce, which makes them a better choice for the planet.

Some of the Boulder residents have gone a bit further and they are making solar power sheds. Some of them are even designed with green roofs to further enhance sustainability.

Designing for Efficiency

Of course, eco-consciousness cannot be your only parameter when building or choosing sheds. Their design also plays a crucial role in efficiency. Here are some features that can make a significant difference.

1. Rainwater Harvesting Systems: If you want to support water conservation efforts, this is a great feature to add. Rainwater Harvesting Systems collect and store rainwater for later use.
2. Energy-Efficient Lighting: You don’t need to consume excess energy to ensure your shed is well-lit. Since Boulder is a sunny environment you can use solar-powered lights for your shed.
3. Natural Ventilation: Proper airflow reduces moisture buildup. You can protect your stored items without the need for energy-intensive climate control systems. Instead, use natural ventilation for your shed.

6 DIY Tips for Storage Shed Design Ideas

If you are a DIY enthusiast and you enjoy hands-on projects, here are some DIY tips to help you create an eco-friendly and functional shed:

1. Plan Your Layout: Think about what storage solutions fit your space and needs and make a sketch before building.
2. Use Recycled Materials: As already mentioned, materials like reclaimed wood, recycled metal, or pallets are a good choice.
3. Incorporate Solar Panels: Install small solar panels to power lighting.
4. Add Insulation: Unse natural or recycled insulation materials to protect items from extreme weather.
5. Decorate with Greenery: A green roof or adding vertical planters to the exterior is a great choice.
6. Focus on Ventilation: Windows or vents will ensure proper airflow.

Finding the Right Solution

If you’re thinking to yourself, “Where can I find a good storage shed near me”, you can always check the Yellow Pages, Yelp, or browse the internet for a couple of nearby options. Look for a reliable company and make sure they are offering high-quality, eco-friendly shed solutions tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly storage sheds are practical as well as sustainable options for the environmentalist homeowner looking for ways to improve the space around the house. And the city of Boulder is a great example of how things should be done in order to remain or become ‘green’ while not sacrificing in the functionality/efficiency departments.

Whether you’re organizing gardening tools, creating an artsy retreat, or providing storage for a backyard farming project, an eco-shed is a versatile and invaluable addition to anyone’s home.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

[email protected]