No Handyman Needed: Take On These 40 Bath Upgrades Yourself
Promising review: "Where do I start? I absolutely LOVE this product. I wanted to replace our bathroom mirror, but due to the size, it would have cost a lot! I came across this on Amazon and decided to give it a try. The application process was super easy and applied without bubbles as long as you go slow and rub it down as you go. I kid you not. It looks like wood and feels like it, too! You can feel and see the 'wood grain.' It's absolutely stunning and looks like I bought a whole new mirror." —TaylorGet it from Amazon for $7.98.
Remove all sorts of stubborn rings that've been staring at you every time you're in the washroom using a pumice stone toilet bowl cleaner. Nope, you do NOT need a new toilet. Your OG just requires some zhuzhing.
Promising review: "OMG!!! It works!!! After having this toilet buildup I gave up on everything, but I saw that this product 'worked' and decided to give it a try... with a little elbow grease and some music blasting in the background I managed to remove it all!!! I can't believe it. I'm so happy, I was so embarrassed when company came over and would see that, not no more... yay!!!" —Asdrubal OrantesGet it from Amazon for $11.
And keep it looking brand-new with a miraculous automatic bleach toilet-cleaning system, because you can't enjoy the first Saw film without thinking about cleaning. This gadget will send cleaner into your bowl with each flush!
It's super quick to install, and one cartridge can last up to three months!Promising review: "This is an excellent invention for keeping the toliet bowl fresh without a tablet that harms the flush seal. I was frequently replacing the seals in the tank but with this setup the seals last and last." —Awesome GuyGet it from Amazon for $9.97.
Put in a fresh new set of switch plates that'll help 'em blend into your walls, even if the landlord painted the switch plates to match (YOU CAN STILL TELL). Can you screw in a screw? Then you can handle this transformative swap.
If your hair dryer plug keeps falling out of the bathroom outlet and you're starting to wonder if you need to pay for an electrician to get involved, try a set of Snug Plugs. These little contraptions make a snug fit between outlets and plugs to keep 'em where you want.
Try out a tile and stone repair kit in case your floor has some unsightly cracks, marks, chips, or gouges you tend to fixate on whilst atop the toilet.
Promising review: "I was skeptical about being able to conceal hairline cracks in our bathroom tile that is marbled. After matching the base color, filling the cracks and waiting for the areas to dry, I honestly had a hard time finding the cracks again to apply the clear lacquer. Wish I had found this product sooner. Will recommend to all my friends." —Aileen G.Get it from Amazon for $23.05.
And if grout is the issue, invest in a grout pen so you don't have to stare at the stained grout and imagine what it used to look like. Grout takes up a teeny bit of space but, as you can see from the pics, makes a huge impact!
I've used this in my own rental bathroom several times. I find that it stays put for about a year on my tile floor! It's easy but a bit tedious, depending on your tiled floor design. Just put on a podcast episode and get to work. Promising review: "We moved into our new home, and the shower had a really yellow grout. Cleaning didn't do anything, and I saw this grout pen online. What a saver! Otherwise, I would have just hired someone to replace my shower. I used this grout pen, and my husband was so impressed :D The tip loses its shape fast, but just pull out the TIP AND FLIPPED IT OVER, and you'll have a new tip." —jenniferGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes).
But if you'd prefer to start from scratch-ish, consider some peel-and-stick floor tiles. These beauts are a 1/2-inch thick vinyl so they'll hold up to foot traffic. And even better news for your bathroom, they're water-resistant and washable!
Each box has 10 12" x 12" tiles. Promising review: "Best purchase ever, love that it brightened and give my bathroom a new fresh look. Easy to put together and only took about two hours." —BillyGet it from Amazon for $12.90.
Employ a rust stain-removing gel to remove rusty stains and discolorations from the previous tenant that bleach hasn't cut through just yet. It's time to feel like you're ACTUALLY clean after a shower.
Really elevate your windows with some cordless, no-drill Roman shades that'll be a breeze to install.
*Easily* install curtains with NoNo Brackets, aka curtain rod brackets that fit onto your existing blinds so that you don't have to fool with drilling any holes and having to spackle them later or (!!!) get charged when you move out of your rental.
Or if you feel like curtains would crowd your space but don't already have blinds, gain some renter-friendly privacy with a window film. It'll still let in SO much light. I did this to my bathroom window and congratulate myself for it every day.
Promising review: "I have a weird skinny window in my house where no normal window covering works. People walking on our community trail can see up into our upstairs bathroom when the light is on and it's dark outside. Not a good plan at all. So I used this window film and cut different-sized circles and placed then on this window to interrupt the view into the house. Worked perfectly! Very easy to use." —MarsgardGet it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in 14 sizes).
If you've got water stains (or stains from other liquids) on your bathroom cabinet, try out a watermark–removing cloth. The reviewer below said it even worked on dribbled nail polish!
Use some wood polish and conditioner that'll revive all sorts of wood surfaces and furniture in your home with some patient rubbing, including bathroom cabinetry! Then once you've tackled that, you can use it on front doors, kitchen cabinets, wood floors, wood furniture, and just about any other wood surface.
Get to know this marble lookalike of self-adhesive film because maybe a bath remodel is not in the stars but you can fake a new countertop on the cheap. All ya' need is this and a bit of patience. It's also great for kitchen countertops!
Or try out a stone-effect spray paint that'll help transform an extremely '80s bathroom vanity. It won't be a 30-minute project, but the price point sure will beat replacing it with a new top.
Promising review (from 2018): "May 2020 Update: The countertop is just now starting to need (slight) touch ups around the sink itself. We had to postpone the remodel until this summer, and this counter has held up like a champ. I couldn't be happier with this product!This paint can be a little tricky to work with until you get the hang of how it applies, my suggestion would be to test it out on a scrap or something prior to applying. Once I had it, this product was a breeze to work with.We recently purchased a new home, and we're not gutting our main bathroom until next summer, and I just couldn't live with that 1980s green another day. So, after reading a lot of tutorials, I decided to go for it and paint the counter. I LOVE how it came out! Once it was dry for 24 hours, I applied several coats of poly and let it sit for 72 hours before I let the counter go back into normal use. It's held up like a dream. I wouldn't use any heavy chemicals on it (but I wouldn't advise those period), but otherwise zero issues with it.(I had done this previously with a different color by a different brand and the outcome was similar, it held up like brand new for several months of daily abuse before I decided to repaint because I didn't really like the color).I think this will easily hold up until we remodel, and it looks great too. DEFINITELY better than that '80s green!Side Note: I see a lot of negative reviews on this product because it doesn't hold up for people outdoors. USE A SEALANT. Don't blame a product if you don't use it correctly. It's not rocket science folks." —MistellaGet it from Amazon for $22 (available in five colors).
Borrow a little air space above your go-to outlet with an outlet shelf *just* large enough for your electric toothbrush. If you've put on a regular outlet cover, you've got this!
FYI, it installs like a regular outlet cover. Of course except with the wonderful shelf. Can also be installed so the shelf is below the outlet. Promising review: "I absolutely love this thing! I have much less clutter on my sink thanks to this. If there's anyone not sure if it will fit due to an object, all you need is 1.25 inches of space between the edge of your existing outlet plate and the piece of furniture. I have a GFCI with a standard wall plate." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four colors).
Optimize your regular old outlets by switching to a SnapPower GuideLight instead of giving up a plug for a night-light. YES, you can swap an outlet wall plate. I swear.
Stick on some rechargeable motion sensor under-cabinet lights so you won't have to turn on your overhead bathroom light didn't a witching hour pee break.
These have a built-in magnet that'll stick on most metals, or you can use the included adhesive tape to tape them onto an existing surface.Promising review: "These lights are so worth it. I have a closet with no light in it, and I installed these in maybe two minutes flat, and it has completely fixed my disdain for the previously dark and disorganized closet. If you think you need these, you probably do." —HDGet it from Amazon for $19.78+ (available in two sizes and in warm or white light).
Or install a motion-activated toilet light so you won't have to fully disrupt your sleep by turning the overhead light on during a pitch-black bathroom trip.
Pop in an expandable under-sink kit that can fit around awkward pipes in the bathroom while giving some sturdy ground to those bottles of cleaner and rolls of toilet paper. No more cabinet avalanches or taking out every single thing except the bottle of nail polish remover you were looking for that just so happened to be in the back corner.
If you YEARN for pretty printed wallpaper, stick on some sweet tangerine wall decals. It's way easier installation and significantly less cash.
Organize your blow-dryer, straightener, and curling iron with a hair tools holder that will neither clutter up your countertop, nor have you giving up on straightening your hair because your tools are too organized and squared away in the depths of your cabinet.
Cover up any chips and marks that seem to follow you around the room like one of those portraits where the eyes look straight forward with a container of touch-up paint. Those portraits ARE fun in The Haunted Mansion, but we don't want to recreate that in your powder room.
DEEP clean that jacuzzi tub with a jetted tub cleaner you simply run through in a bath cycle and just watch the filth EMERGE from the pipes and then wipe it away. Maybe you don't want to revisit that horror show of settling in for a bath in your new-to-you jetted tub only to see some random dirt floating in the water that you KNOW did not come from your body. But, that nightmarish scene *is* what led you to this product.
Close the gap between your shower curtain liner and the cold air of you bathroom with some shower curtain holders to keep water inside the shower instead of all over your bathroom floor.
Give yourself a sturdy hold for entering and exiting the tub with a suction-cup, easy-install safety grip. This is especially great if you can't (because renting) or don't want to commit to a permanent grab bar.
Cover up a "boob light" by popping on a renter-friendly Tulip shade. You simply mount a ring on the ceiling with double-sided tape and put on the magnetic shade.
Create an obscene amount of shower toiletry space with a shower curtain liner with mesh storage pockets where you can stash all sorts of hair mask bottles. I love and will buy for as long as it's a thing I can buy.
Or, swap to a self-expanding shower curtain in case you yearn for more room in the shower and swore that 2025 would be the year you install a curved shower curtain rod — which *is* a great home upgrade! BUT. Swapping to this curtain bumps out the space and keeps your liner from clinging to your wet back, which is always creepy!
And elevate whatever shower curtain you have with some streamlined shower curtain hooks because they're an essential and those regular old plastic round ones don't really do anything for your bathroom aesthetic.
Make a measly vanity drawer work as well as it can for you with a drawer organizer set that'll help you track down the slanted-tip tweezers (NOT flat-tip) because you noticed a weird chin hair while brushing your teeth.
Position a pair of heavy-duty towel hooks *right* where you need them by the shower so you aren't dripping all over the bathroom to reach the towel rack on the far wall. And because they're peel-and-stick, reviewers even put them on their shower surround!
Or add a significant amount of charm with a clothespin towel holder in case you won't settle for a regular old towel rack (and that is completely FINE).
Give yourself some extra peace of mind with a timed safety shutoff plug you simply plug into the wall. After all, your holy grail hair straightener doesn't have an auto-shutoff and you're a tad forgetful.
Tidy up your toothbrush area with a do-it-all toothbrush holder and dispenser might make it feel like you and your outside bones are living in the future. (But, like, not a dystopian future OK?)
If you're willing to take on a big-impact project (for NOT as much effort as you'd think), a can of eco-friendly chalk-like paint will transform a piece of furniture or cabinetry into something fresh and new feeling, for MUCH less cost and effort than pricing out a replacement.
Psst, you don't need a primer OR top coat with this stuff. Plus, it contains no harsh chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents. Promising review: "First time painting anything in my life, and it was great. No sanding or priming is needed. Beautiful colors; description and pictures are so accurate. Easy to paint and quick to dry. Time-saving! I will always be using this paint." —Samah SafiGet it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four sizes and over 50 colors).
Switch to a fancy 12-inch showerhead here for a little daily luxury. And if you've been blasted by a rainfall shower in a hotel before, no worries. This has an adjustable flow that'll give you that or some gentle precipitation. And yes, you can handle installation!
Promising review: "Wished I upgraded my showerhead sooner. Installation was very simple, and it even came with a guide if needed. It comes with an extension arm that connects to your existing water pipe. No leaks whatsoever, and I did not need any other tools. Took less than five minutes to install. It feels really nice standing right under the showerhead, and it covers your whole body with nice pressure and looks nice! Definitely recommend it to those looking for an upgrade!" —Vincent HorngGet it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in two sizes and four finishes).
Replace your worse-for-wear pail for a super slick motion-activated trash can so you can be all hands-off with your bathroom garbage. Plus, the lid is waterproof!
Reviewers say the motion sensor is the perfect amount of sensitive, meaning your cat or you strolling by won't activate it. Check it out in Julianna Christensen's TikTok video.Note: it's powered by two AA batteries (not included).Promising review: "I love this trash can because no one will ever see the trash I put in my bathroom trash can. When I put my hand above the sensor, it opens so discreetly and gently, and stays open for a few seconds then gently closes. The outside is absolutely beautiful. I know it's just a trash can, but in my bathroom it looks like a cute piece of art." —DawnGet it from Amazon for $22.49+ (available with gold or gray detailing and in two sizes).
And dress up your cabinetry with some black matte-steel cabinet pulls that'll make your bathroom feel like it was remodeled in this century.
Promising review: "Perfect! They were exactly what I was going for! Great quality, very durable, and actually have some weight to them. Great purchase for replacing all of the hardware in my kitchen and bathroom for the camper I am remodeling. Definitely would recommend, especially at such an amazing price. Great value for great quality!" —Summertime Get it from Amazon for $5.95+ (available in quantities 1 through 60 and in black, gold, or silver).
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Buzz Feed
19 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
32 Products With Impressive Before And After Pics
The beloved Hard as Hoof nourishing cream made with beeswax and jojoba oil to condition brittle nails and cuticles (on your fingers AND toes!) and have them looking as shiny and fresh as they did before that gel manicure did its damage. It's designed to sink in quickly (a rare feat in the world of cuticle oils) and it also smells like coconuts. I probably should have led with the coconut part. 🥥 🤤 A powerful spray to break down stubborn mold and mildew stains almost instantly. Just leave it on for about 15 seconds, then wipe away to reveal what your shower is actually supposed to look like. A cult-favorite foot file that'll grind away at calluses and have your heels and toes looking silky smooth and ready to slip into your go-to sandals. There are many foot files out there, but more than 86,000 Amazon reviewers say this one works like a charm. The TikTok-famous Pink Stuff, which is basically the Alex Russo of cleaning products; it has tons of tricks up its sleeve. With the help of a little elbow grease, it'll completely revitalize your sink, bathtub, neglected stoves, and basically anything else that's in need of some scrubbing action. A pack of multipurpose dermaplaning razors you can use to shape your eyebrows and remove fine hairs. You can also use it to remove any stubborn peach fuzz so your foundation will glide on more seamlessly than ever. A pack of all-natural bottle-cleaning tablets that'll help remove stains and odors from any water bottles or coffee tumblers that you've left unwashed for an embarrassingly long time. It happens. Just fill your cup with warm water, drop the tablet in, and wait 15-30 minutes; rinse your cup, then get back to hydrating and/or caffeinating yourself. A jar of super moisturizing O'Keeffe's cream — it's basically a magic potion for brand new hands. Its blend of beeswax and glycerin will add hydration and help get your skin back to normal if increased hand-washing has wreaked havoc on your hands. A pack of cleaning erasers that only need water to remove stains — they're more affordable than name brands but if you catch my drift. These little melamine sponges can quickly lift away tough stains, grease, soap scum, and anything else that simply won't budge with your normal multipurpose cleaner. Promising review: "These babies have transformed and reformed my slobby life. My dog sitter thought I got a new sink and fridge. I have never had more fun cleaning in my life — wait, I have never had any fun cleaning. But these magical creatures make it so freaking satisfying. No toxic stuff. No fumes. Just heavenly cleanliness." —Jimmy Jim EreenoGet a pack of 20 from Amazon for $13.95. Maybelline's Dark Circles Treatment Concealer — it proves you don't have to keep spending a lot of money for high-end results. The lightweight formula is infused with Haloxyl, a peptide complex that's meant to reduce dark circles and tighten skin. Many reviewers say it's easy to blend with just your fingers, so you can ditch the brush if you want to! An all-purpose scrubber kit that'll magically transform your power drill into the ultimate cleaning tool you never knew you needed. The nylon bristles won't leave behind any scratches, so you can scrub away without worrying about ruining your tub, toilet, baseboards, or any other surface that needs an intense cleaning. A descaling solution to break down all of the limescale buildup inside your electric kettle or coffee maker, because yes, the interior also needs cleaning 😩. If your coffee just isn't hitting the spot like it used to, it's probably time to run a cleaning cycle. A L'Oréal repairing hair treatment, which takes just eight seconds — yes, eight seconds! — to repair damage and restore shine. Apply it after shampoo but before conditioner, and let the amino acids and "lamellar water technology" work their magic to smooth your hair without weighing it down. A pack of cleaning tablets that'll clean your dishwasher for you, because it's probably way dirtier than you imagine. These tablets will break down lime and mineral buildup in the main compartment, internal pumps, and the pump and valve — so your dishes will come out looking as sparkly as they do in all those dish soap commercials. A wildly popular anti-dandruff shampoo — it uses ketoconazole to help fight dandruff and relieve itchy scalps. Several of the 77,000 rave reviews mention seeing a reduction in scalp flakiness when consistently used at least twice a week. An all-natural oven scrub made with gritty pumice stone, so you can really go to town on that pizza that exploded and left a mess everywhere. It'll even clean all the hard-to-reach spots on the racks — because, yes, those need cleaning, too. A set of dividers so you can easily organize your sock drawer and keep it from becoming an endless black hole of mismatched pairs. They're also perfect for scarves, underwear, bras, and more, so planning your OOTD is about to become so much easier. A cruelty-free lengthening Essence mascara with a whopping 265,000 5-star ratings and some seriously impressive before and after photos. Oh, did I mention it's UNDER $5?! Some reviewers even compare it to expensive brands like Tarte 👀. Unlike other mascaras at similar price points, reviewers say this one doesn't easily clump or smudge throughout the day and is suitable for sensitive eyes. A pack of thin velvet hangers to basically double your closet space and provide a much better grip on your clothes. These hangers have more than 170,000 fans, with many reviewers saying they're perfect for tank tops, sweaters, slacks, and anything else that tends to easily slip off of plastic ones. A pack of oil-absorbing sheets that will tackle the shiniest of foreheads and have you looking instantly matte without ruining your makeup. These are a must on the days when you need to touch up in a hurry and forgot to bring your setting powder with you. A stainless-steel tongue cleaner so you can scrape away all the nastiness in your mouth that's been giving you a case of morning breath. It's gross and satisfying in equal measure. A jetted tub cleaner for anyone who desperately needs a relaxing bath, but the thought of scrubbing your grimy bathtub is simply too much to handle. It'll remove all the gunk trapped in the places you can't even see, so your tub will be the cleanest it's ever been. You'll barely have to lift a finger — just gently wipe away any leftover grime once it's done doing its job! A glass cleaner that'll remove any stubborn hard-water spots and have your shower doors looking so clean you might accidentally walk into them. It's designed to work in seconds; just apply with a damp cloth in circular motions and wipe away with a paper towel or cloth to reveal the shiny showroom-worthy shower doors of your dreams. A grout ink pen — it'll take the space between your tiles from grimy to shiny in a few simple swipes. This won't clean your grout, but it'll make it look brand-new. It's like a more productive version of an adult coloring book! A cleaning kit that'll make your ceramic cooktop look as shiny and flawless as the day you moved in. The kit comes with a bottle of cleaner, a cleaning pad, and a heavy-duty scraper that are all designed to break down burnt-on foods and tough stains. Or! A gas range cleaning spray — it takes just seconds to cut through grime and grease and eliminate any evidence that your roommates are total slobs. Now, I'm just projecting. Just spray it on and wipe away — or leave it on for 30 minutes if you're dealing with caked-on nastiness. A mold and mildew stain remover in a squeezable gel formula that can miraculously cling onto awkward vertical and inclined surfaces and fit in tight spaces. Just squeeze, walk away, then give it a quick rinse in the morning to reveal some jaw-dropping results. A tub of magical heavy-duty all-purpose cleaning wipes — they can remove everything from grease to tomato sauce stains almost instantly and with zero water required. They're also formulated with aloe and vitamin E, so they're gentle on your skin but still tough enough to remove all the gunk that's accumulated on your oven range hood. An argan oil hair mask to have your mane looking ridiculously glossy in just seven minutes. Yes, you read that right — seven 👏 minutes! The argan oil will provide a nice dose of vitamin E to your hair shaft, which is known to help prevent dryness and boost shine. A toilet wand with disposable cleaning heads (the cleaning solution is built-in — just activate with water!) that makes scrubbing the porcelain throne feel like less of a chore. The kit comes with six refill heads (and a handy dandy storage stand for the wand and refills) to get you started, so you can immediately say goodbye to that dirty toilet brush and get to scrubbing in about 30 seconds! A jewelry-cleaning stick so you can quickly and easily add some bling back to your rings and make them 🎵 shine bright like a diamond 🎵. You can use it on basically any of your accessories that need a good sprucing-up — just twist the pen to dispense some cleanser onto the brush, then gently swipe on your jewelry to let the microfine cleansers wipe away dirt and oil. A food container lid organizer because only finding circular lids when you just put your leftovers in a square container is the worst. This will keep them upright and organized, and the dividers make it easy to sort them by size and shape. The dividers are adjustable so you can customize your set depending on what size containers you have!Promising review: "I love, love, love this storage container. Sounds silly, but it changed my life. No longer do I have storage container Jenga! No more stuff falling out of the cabinet every time I open the cupboard. Now I can stack my lids in the organizer and my storage containers fit nicely on the shelf, and I have a lot of storage containers. I would definitely buy this again and again. Great product." —Laura it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in four sizes). A broom for pet and human hair so you can rake up everything that your vacuum can't reach. You'll be so shook when you see all the hair and dust that's hiding out in your area rugs that you might just add to the over 78,000 5-star reviews.
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Powerful interview reveals overlooked impact of global energy transition: 'Every electric vehicle carries Indigenous blood in their batteries'
Powerful interview reveals overlooked impact of global energy transition: 'Every electric vehicle carries Indigenous blood in their batteries' Intense global demand for "energy transition minerals" is impacting Indigenous communities. According to Inside Climate News, Indigenous leaders are speaking out about the industrial mining threatening to devastate their ancestral lands if mining companies proceed unabated. Activist Edson Krenak spoke with ICN about the industry's presence. He said it brings "contamination, forced removals, displacement, violence and modern-day slavery." Krenak grew up witnessing mining in his Brazilian homeland. Rivers once central to his people's culture are now "dead" after massive waste spills. "Communities like mine were torn apart," he said. "The Krenak people were among the most criminalized for defending their territories. We faced brutal repression." Research from the University of Queensland has revealed the ubiquity of mining. It found that over 54% of all global mining projects are on or near Indigenous territories. This amounts to over 2,700 mining projects worldwide. These lands hold vital minerals, including copper, lithium, and nickel. Indigenous stewardship has protected them and their biodiversity for decades. The pursuit for cleaner energy is critical, but as the interview conducted by Inside Climate News shows, it must not be at the expense of human rights or the environment. Mining expansion into Indigenous areas without consent or oversight leads to ecological damage — deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction to name a few. It also threatens Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditional livelihoods. The industry-Indigenous conflict challenges the shift to a sustainable economy. "Now, the lithium companies have received permits from the state government," Krenak said, "They've set their sights on this reserve and are pressuring local authorities to pass laws that would reduce the size of the protected area to just one-third of its original size. We've been working for two years to protect this area. We're exhausted." Krenak argued that extracted minerals from Indigenous lands are a catch-22. Minerals power faraway "sustainable cities" and offer an opportunity to get off the never-ending wheel of oil and gas pollution, but they also create new "sacrifice zones" in order to obtain what's needed. The same can be argued for obtaining more and more fossil fuels, but it does not change the effects on communities targeted for battery materials. Materials for batteries, unlike the drilling for oil and gas and coal, do at least allow for continued use for years upon years, and even when expended, around 95% of those materials are at least recyclable — whereas for fossil fuels, 535 times more tons of materials are extracted per year, all of which are just burned into the air and must be harvested again and again. That is the endless cycle that must be broken. So a shift to batteries that can be powered by the sun and wind and beyond is an improvement, and it's why the transition to electrification and renewable power is worthwhile. It also allows for the operations of virtually all devices being used to read this article right now. But it must be done responsibly, and advancing science leading to batteries requiring less difficult materials to obtain is incredibly important. So too is continued investment in battery recycling technology and associated facilities, such as Redwood Materials, founded by Tesla co-founder JB Straubel. Do you think fracking should be illegal in America? Yes — everywhere Yes — in most areas In some areas No Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Indigenous communities are advocating for their rights and a fair energy transition. They demand that principles like Free, Prior, and Informed Consent are upheld. FPIC is the right to approve or reject projects on their lands. Activists continue to raise global awareness with international forums and power centers. Growing recognition of these issues is prompting stricter regulations and transparent supply chains. Policies would also call for greater accountability from mining companies, governments, and consumers. Supporting organizations that champion Indigenous rights and ethical sourcing practices is crucial, Krenak argued. It follows that it's important to know the origins of materials in our clean energy transition; solutions for our planet cannot inadvertently create new injustices or environmental harms elsewhere. As Krenak told ICN, "Every electric vehicle carries Indigenous blood in their batteries. This is not a clean energy transition." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the the daily Crossword
Buzz Feed
a day ago
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Fix Your Home's Neglected Problems With These 33 Items
A stick of Erase-A-Hole putty that'll make your walls look brand new. It'll make those dents, nail holes, and toddler-related "oopsies" disappear faster than you can say "security deposit." Plus, it's under $15, doesn't need tools, and might trick people into thinking you hired a professional. A pack of transparent window fly traps because the flies are not paying rent, and it's time to evict them. These ultra-sticky, non-toxic decals blend right into your windows while luring in everything from house flies to gnats. Peel, stick, and enjoy your bug-free home without a single zap or swat. Some folks have found that these leave a sticky residue on the glass once removed. If that happens to you, use Goo Gone to remove it. Promising review: "This is disgusting and so stinking satisfying. I'm renting a house that does not have a screen door, and I have two young children who run in and out. They bring a lot of flies with them. I've tried several different things... But what's amazing about this is that you stick it on the window, you walk away, and you let the tape do all the work for you. Disgusting and fascinating to my toddlers? Yes and yes. Is that 18 fewer flies I'm chasing around the kitchen with the swatter? Oh yes." —Meaghan Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in multiple pack sizes). Some velvet slipcovers if you have a sofa that has seen better days but is still really comfortable. Instead of splurging on a new piece of furniture, give it a facelift that will have it looking like it's brand new. A pack of five refillable multi-surface touch-up paint pens to effortlessly fix scratches and nicks on walls, doors, and cabinetry in your home. Just fill up a pen with paint of your choice and fill in the problem area. Slobproof is a small business that makes paint touch-up review: "I keep these in my kitchen drawer and it's SO convenient for my painted cabinets! I moved into a house with older wood cabinets, and because it's such a small kitchen, I knew that painting the cabinets white (actually went with cream!) would make it feel so much larger! I LOVE the way they look, but inevitably (even though I sanded and prepped), I'll get little chips in the paint. These touch-up pens stay in my junk drawer full of paint at all times. The cap makes it so it never dries out and stays super clean. But I'm able to grab them any time and just touch things up so my cabinets ALWAYS look fresh." —Claire FloresGet it from Slobproof on Amazon for $12.99+ (available in a pack of two or five). Some ceiling fan carbon filters that'll quietly trap dust and odors while you go about your life. These just stick to the top of each blade (where no one ever thinks to clean) and then they do their thing, no work from you needed. A pack of six furniture markers for covering up small nicks and cuts in your wood furniture and floors. Each kit comes with the most common wood colors (cherry, mahogany, walnut, black, maple, and oak) and matching crayons for easy filling when the damaged area is a little deep. Promising review: "I am thoroughly impressed! We have a 115-plus-year-old house, and we only have hardwood in our downstairs hall and den. We didn't want to spend tons of money because we are probably going to be replacing the flooring in a few years. I'm actually still working on this as I'm writing this, but I am so impressed that I just had to write a review right away. The only 'negative' I have is that the colors are darker than the caps show, but it's not a big deal. For the money, you can't go wrong." —BorgGet them from Amazon for $9.49. A roll of window film that'll let light in *and* keep prying eyes out. It'll give your glass doors and windows a frosted look that'll add privacy without blocking the sun, so you can go about your day without feeling like you're on display. Peel, stick, and enjoy the magic of being visible only when you want to be. Promising review: "It's been keeping us from staring at the siding of our neighbor's house while still letting in the light into our dining room for more than a year and still going strong! Bonus is that it keeps the dog from barking because the neighbor kids no longer put their faces to the window and taunt the dog. Easy to put up, stayed in place. Would buy again!" —Pet Lover 0306Get it from Amazon for $6.29+ (available in five styles and 15 sizes). A tub of The Pink Stuff, aka an all-purpose paste you can use to scrub any hard surface in your home, from ovens and appliances to tubs and tiles. With very minimal effort (aka scrubbing) on your part, this pink goo goes the distance, so you don't have to. A pack of 30-pack of picture hooks to easily get your art up on the walls. Just push, twist, and insert into drywall or plaster, no tools required. These hooks saved the day (and my walls) after I failed miserably with nails, screws, and adhesive strips while trying to put together a gallery wall in my dining room. Instead of fumbling to find a study to drill into (what am I, a magician?) or risking smashed fingers with another ill-fitting nail, I used these to hang my art quickly and safely. You just push them into the wall and twist until only the hook portion is visible. No stud-finding, no pre-drilling, no anchors — just push, twist, and hang. I honestly don't understand why these aren't in every household. They're that good. Get it from The Home Depot for $14.98. A can of eco-friendly chalk-like paint that dries within 30 minutes to transform an old piece of furniture or cabinetry into something dazzling. It doesn't need a primer or a top coat, so you can get the job done quickly and easily. This paint contains no harsh chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents. Promising review: "First time painting anything in my life, and it was great. No sanding or priming is needed. Beautiful colors; description and pictures are so accurate. Easy to paint and quick to dry. Time-saving! I will always be using this paint." —Samah SafiGet a 4-ounce jar from Amazon for $15.95 (available in four sizes and over 50 colors). A dryer lint brush because you'd be shocked at how much lint is residing in your dryer gap and exhaust port. Using this will speed up clothing drying time and help prevent lint buildup. Despite removing a sheet of lint from the trapper after every use, my dryer slowly started to dry clothes less and less efficiently. I figured there were probably a couple of clusters of lint stuck in the vent, and boy howdy was I right. This brush immediately pulled out a copious amount of lint — I was shocked. And it kept coming! The first couple of tries yielded so much lint, and then I went to work fitting it into the nooks and crannies of the vent. And it just kept coming. SO MUCH LINT. By the time I was done, I had a huge pile at my feet, and I could already tell my clothes were going to dry so much faster. And guess what? They did! Now I use this every six months or so for maintenance, and it's honestly impressive how much buildup it pulls out, and easily! Other perk: it's incredibly satisfying to use. Promising review: "Works perfectly for scrubbing the stuck lint out of the insides of your dryer. Everyone who owns a dryer should have these, they're basic safety equipment. Clean that lint, and reduce fire hazard, and make the machine more efficient. They're long enough, strong enough, and just flexible enough without being too flexible." —Winged WolfGet a two-pack from Amazon for $6.99. An outlet light if you need a little light here and there around the house. Perfect for those of us who take nightly bathroom breaks or want to safely get to the kitchen for a midnight snack without turning on all the overhead lights. A Bissell multipurpose portable cleaner that'll help you finally tackle that weird mystery stain on the couch. It'll suck up years of "I'll get to it later" from carpets, upholstery, car seats, and more. It's compact, easy to lug around, and weirdly satisfying to use. Perfecto! Some velvet curtains if you need to filter light but don't want to sacrifice style. These are very good at providing privacy and darkening the space. A microfiber blinds duster with spaced-out fingers to tackle several blinds in one swipe. Never again will you need to clear your schedule when you just want to clean your window treatments. Promising review: "I love this product!! It works fantastic! I am a housekeeper for several private homes. My least favorite job is cleaning window blinds! I have used every method there, but the job is still very time-consuming. The main reason it takes so long is you must clean each and every slat separately to do the job right. Not anymore! With this product, you can clean two slats at once, and it cleans them the first swipe! The microfiber is the key to getting all the dust, and the design of the product makes it super easy! PLUS, this tool can be used on different types of blinds because it is flexible! I have used it on wooden shutters, plastic vertical patio door blinds, and horizontal metal 'mini' blinds. Additionally, the microfiber 'sleeve' that fits on the tool is washable, and it comes with five of them, so it's a real value, being reusable and with so many to use it should last a long time before they all completely wear out! This product deserves 10 stars!" —Sandy DGet the brush and five microfiber sleeves from Amazon for $6.99 (available in blue or green). A mold-resistant white grout pen that'll cover grout stains with a fresh coat of waterproof white paint. Each pen can cover up to 150 feet of grout. Be sure to clean your grout beforehand, as this pen covers stains that will be easier to cover if the surface is are 11 different grout colors available: white, winter gray, light gray, gray, dark gray, black, ivory, cream, beige, brown, and terracotta. You can view all the review: "I have 12-inch white tile in my whole house that is 20 years old. Even though I kept it looking nice, the grout was still getting dark. I cleaned the grout and let it dry well until the next day, then used the grout pen. It looks like it is brand-new. One thing that I found out was that if the tip of the pen starts to look worn, you can just pull it out and turn it over — it is the same tip on both ends. It will take some time to do the whole house, but it looks so great that I will just do a section at a time 'til I finish. One other thing that I did was run my finger down the grout line after I applied the grout pen, then wipe down the tile line with a paper towel so no other cleanup was necessary." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in a narrow or wide tip). An under-cabinet lighting kit to give any space — kitchen, closet, bookshelf, you name it — a warm, ambient glow that instantly elevates the whole room. It's peel-and-stick, comes with a remote, and makes everything look a little more pulled together. Promising review: "I have five different sets in the kitchen and the adjacent living room. These are extremely easy to install, and you can adjust the warmth from very yellow to bright white. The quality is excellent, and there are no problems after months of use. I only use one remote control for all sets, but I could program each remote to control each set independently if I wanted to. Great value for the price." —John TrivesterGet 20 feet from Amazon for $17.99+ (also available in another color). A very fancy 12-inch showerhead because nothing feels better than a hot, luxurious shower after a long day. If you're looking for something that can go from a gentle rain to a monsoon with the turn of a dial, you definitely need this upgrade. Promising review: "Wished I upgraded my shower head sooner. Installation was very simple, and it even came with a guide if needed. It comes with an extension arm that connects to your existing water pipe. No leaks whatsoever, and I did not need any other tools. Took less than five minutes to install. It feels really nice standing right under the showerhead, and it covers your whole body with nice pressure and looks nice! Definitely recommend it to those looking for an upgrade!" —Vincent HorngGet it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in two sizes and four finishes). An ultra-thin socket cover to tame the mess of plugs and cords behind your furniture without sticking out (literally). It sits flat against the wall and runs the cord neatly along the baseboard, so your outlets stay functional *and* visually unoffensive. A set of drill brush attachments perfect for taking on the toughest stains on your home's tile, glass, grout, and fiberglass. You'll save so much time and energy thanks to these attachments, and can instead focus on doing what you do best: zoning out on the couch while watching the latest Netflix show. A pack of cabinet pulls to give your kitchen or bathroom cabinetry a mini makeover that won't break the bank. This is an easy way to make a big visual impact, especially if you're a renter (just store the old pulls in a shoebox under the sink and then put them back on when it's time to move out). Promising review: "The handles are made with high-quality heavy metal so they will stand up to everyday usage. I am very happy with how they look and showcase my kitchen cabinets. They will make your cabinets look like a high-end, very expensive item...a 10 out of 10 for sure." —Amazon CustomerGet a pack of 2 from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in six styles and 12 finishes). A tiny but mighty Levoit air purifier that'll have you breathing cleaner, fresher air without overcomplicating things. It quietly zaps dust, pet dander, and mystery particles floating around your home, so you're not just marinating in allergens all day. Promising reviews: "This air purifier is the best we have found. We have four different kinds of air purifiers in our home, as my spouse has immense allergy problems. None of the others works as well as this one. The first week, we tried this in our living space. It pulled so much dust out of the air; there was a dust sheet on the filter. We cleaned it off and moved it to our bedroom. His sleep improved immensely! We purchased a second air filter for our den, where he spends most of his time. As the other purifiers break, we will replace them with this one." —TrishaGet it from Amazon for $89.99+ (also available in black). Some motion-activated, battery-powered nightlights to illuminate dark areas in your home like closets, deep cabinets, and bathrooms. These are great gets when it's late at night and you're wandering around your house like a Victorian ghost, but don't want to turn on all the lights. Some super realistic peel-and-stick subway tile in a contemporary shape if you've been meaning to add a little pizzazz to your walls. These are great for renters, especially if you have a bathroom or kitchen with an outdated aesthetic. All you do is peel and stick, and when it's time to move out, you just peel them off — it's really that easy. A sink plunger to easily unblock all the grossness that's been building up in your drain for who knows how long. If you live in a home where the water drains reeeeaaaallllllly slow, this product can probably dislodge all the blockage in just a few pumps. Promising review: "I needed for my bathroom sink. I doubted it would work as easy and fast as advertised but it did. I thought I'd really have to work it for it to work. Super impressed. Took like a minute, if that. Piece of advice though, if your sink has that overflow drain, put a sponge or something over it. Water and gunk will plunge out of the hole and if you aren't expecting it will have a mess." —AGet it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in small and large sizes). An expandable shelf for under your sink that adjusts itself around your awkwardly shaped pipe. You will be able to fit so much more stuff under your sink when you use this! Measures 15 inches long x 11.25 inches wide x 15 inches high and can expand to 25 inches review: "I'm so glad I bought this. I have a 24-inch vanity in my bathroom, and this fits perfectly. I have it extended to about 23 inches, and it holds sturdy, though I can see that if you were to extend it to its full length, it gets weak in the middle. I liked it so much that I ordered another one for the kitchen. I got some clear bins to help organize bottles and other goodies I keep in the bath." —Marlene it from Amazon for $24.87 (available in three finishes). Some solar-powered outdoor lantern lights if your backyard's too dark at night. Because they don't require electricity, you can hang them and then not worry about maintenance. Promising review: "My goodness, I did not expect to love these lanterns as much as I do. They are very, very good quality and display lots of light. I hung both of them between my small patio and English garden, and they provided enough light for both areas. I received them late afternoon, so they got about four hours in the sun. At 9 p.m., both came on like clockwork. I got up at 3 a.m. to check if they were still on, and they were as bright as ever. They are so dang cute and unique in my yard. I will be buying more. Love, Love, Love them." —Dog TailorGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three styles). A broom and mop organizer you can put on your closet's wall to keep all your cleaning tools neatly organized and off the floor. They'll also be out of sight and out of mind, which is exactly what you need if you hate cleaning and don't want to see the tools it requires on an everyday basis. A foaming garbage disposal cleaner that'll use magical blue foam to rid your garbage disposal of foodstuff and odor. I have these and actually look forward to using them, they're that great. You push one of the biodegradable packets into your drain and then turn the water on. Before you know it, this blue foam starts bubbling up from your drain(s) and after a few minutes, completely disappears. After that, the drain is super clean, and those lingering smells are gone. Here's what you do: Run some hot water, pop one of the packets in your disposer, let it foam, then wait for the foam to fully disappear. Garbage disposer = clean and ickiness-free. Promising review: "Works like a charm! These are pretty cool! I was a little skeptical but I followed the easy-to-use directions and it worked just like the product said it would. Foamed up and cleaned the drain!! Smell removed!!" —Jennifer KGet two packs of four from Amazon for $11. A roll of wood grain tape if you have one of those big frameless mirrors in your bathroom and want to take it up a notch. Instead of ripping it out and replacing it with something expensive, use this tape to frame it. Promising review: "Where do I start? I absolutely LOVE this product. I wanted to replace our bathroom mirror, but due to the size, it would have cost a lot! I came across this on Amazon and decided to give it a try. The application process was super easy and applied without bubbles as long as you go slow and rub it down as you go. I kid you not. It looks like wood and feels like it, too! You can feel and see the 'wood grain.' It's absolutely stunning and looks like I bought a whole new mirror." —TaylorGet it from Amazon for $7.92. A compact utensil organizer that smartly stacks cutlery instead of placing it side-by-side. If your kitchen feels cramped or has very little drawer space, use this to store all your silverware without taking up much real estate. A hidden storage box disguised as a beautiful collection of books. Now, instead of having your electronics and all their cords on display, they'll be covered up by what looks like a top-tier curation of books. And some metal bathroom shelves with super-strong adhesive that can hold up to 15 pounds each. No more dangling a shower caddy around your showerhead!
