Over the past few years, an increasing number of Americans have developed a desire to live a more eco-conscious life. A recent study found that up to 77% of people are interested in learning more about sustainable living. There are a number of ways you can make your lifestyle more eco-friendly. Apart from reducing your energy usage, investing in green technologies, and starting a compost heap, you can also put a green spin on your DIY projects by adhering to a few basic guidelines. From using environmentally-friendly paint and cleaning with care to repurposing old furniture, here are a few ways to put a green spin on your next DIY project.

Use eco-friendly paint

Paint is not only one of the most common materials used in DIY projects, but also the one with the greatest potential to cause harm to the environment, thanks to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) it contains. Although there are federal regulations in place to limit the amount of VOCs in any product, even low-VOC paint can be a cause for concern. When tackling a DIY project, try to use VOC-free paint as much as possible. Not only will VOC-free paint be considerably kinder to the environment, but it will also reduce the amount of potentially dangerous fumes you and the rest of your family inhale.

Clean and discard with care

What you do after you have completed your DIY project can have as big an impact on the environment as what you do during it. When you're cleaning up, steer clear of harsh chemicals, and opt for eco-friendly cleaning materials instead. If you have a mountain of cleaning to do, it may be in your best interest to enlist the help of a professional green cleaning service. If you tackled a large remodeling project, in particular, you're bound to be left with a heap of odds and ends that need to be discarded. Separate wood and metal, and recycle as much of it as possible. Refrigerants, electronics, and harmful materials such as asbestos all need to be discarded with great care.

Find your next project inside your home

Once your DIY project is complete, you might feel the need to go out and buy something new to occupy yourself with. If you want to attempt a more eco-friendly project, however, you will more than likely be able to find one in your house. Renovating and repurposing furniture and decorative elements are very popular pastimes that also happen to be kind to the environment. In fact, anything from an old table lamp to a wooden bed frame can be transformed into striking, one-of-a-kind pieces. You can make your projects even more eco-friendly by only using VOC-free paints and adhesives, and limiting the amount of electricity and water used throughout.

Engaging in DIY projects tends to be very cathartic. By following a few basic guidelines, you can also ensure that your DIY efforts are not harmful to the environment in any way.