How to Become a Green Handyman
If you're considering becoming a handyman (or woman), think about going green. Likewise, if you've been working as a handyman for years, going green could give you a whole new demographic of clientele. Take advantage of the fast-growing group of potential customers who want to make their homes and businesses as environmentally friendly as possible.
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Instructions
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Choose green cleaning supplies and other products whenever possible. Make your own to cut costs, if you prefer. As a bonus, when you make your own, you can reuse the same bottles and therefore help the environment more. Use baking soda, white vinegar, lemon alone or isopropyl alcohol alone for many cleaning jobs, suggests the Earth Easy website---no mixing is required. Use trisodium phosphate for cleaning drains, says Earth Easy, adding that this product is toxic if ingested but doesn't produce toxic fumes.
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Choose tools that will serve you well for many years. If you purchase cheap tools that will probably break before long, you're not helping the environment or your budget. Use quality equipment to conserve the resources used to create the tools and reduce the amount of junk that ends up in the garbage dump.
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Use non-toxic paints, meaning paints that don't contain volatile organic compounds, says the Association of Certified Handyman Professionals (ACHP). People can breathe in toxins from paints that contain them, says the organization. By using safer paints, you'll also be protecting your own health.
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Offer to perform an evaluation to show clients how they can cut costs and become greener. From using energy-efficient light bulbs to installing energy-efficient washers and dryers, they can reduce their environmental impact. Offer to install new machines when clients are ready for new purchases.
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Don't run to the hardware store every day for small purchases. This wastes your time and uses up gas, polluting the atmosphere. Instead, try to go as little as possible, keeping a running list of what you need on hand. Organize your daily route so you backtrack as little as possible, too. Opt for a vehicle that doesn't guzzle gasoline, too. You may not need a huge truck or van for your daily tasks. Instead, use a small car or truck for your normal routine, if possible. Keep a larger vehicle on hand if need be for hauling heavy equipment or large items.
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