Everyday, thousands of shipping pallets are 'retired' after a single use - a one way trip from a manufacturers' warehouse to wholesale or retail outlets. As a result, these pallets are often free for the taking by anyone who wants them.

Up-cycling shipping pallets into furniture has turned into a passion for many people and a business for others like Donna Zang. It all started when she built a wine rack for her brother. Since then, she's been building and selling wine racks, end tables and coffee tables at prices between $50 and $250 per piece.

Not bad considering she can get the wood for free.

Drop in and take to the makers current building pallet furniture at the Fredericton Makerspace.

As winter sets in we all start to think about the cost of heating our homes. 

Capturing and managing the heat from the sun - called 'passive solar heating' - is one the most inexpensive and sustainable ways to reduce your carbon footprint and heating bills. 

Solar air heaters - sometimes called 'pop can heaters' are a great DIY project. There are hundreds of design ideas, how-to videos and articles online to get you started.

If a portion of your home gets direct sunshine on it for several hours during the day, why not make the most of it and capture all that free heat.