DIY has exploded in the past few years. Though there are always some things you should leave to the pros (like installing windows), there are plenty of DIY projects that anyone can handle—so many that there are several websites dedicated to DIY.

DIY is a great way to go green. Many DIY projects upcycle items you no longer use to create something new and useful, diverting waste from landfills or recyclables from energy-intensive recycling processes.

While DIY may sound simple, it can be quite complicated. Not all information on the web is reputable, and not all gorgeous projects are easy for beginners. The key is to start with things that match your abilities—in other words, if you're renovating, start with filling holes in the walls and painting, not with installing hardwood floors.

If you're looking for clear how-to directions, there are a few websites that can help you transform trash to treasure.

Instructables
Instructables is one of our favorite DIY websites. They cover just about everything: art, craft, food, games, music, outdoors, pets, tech and more. They even have a green DIY category!

We love their bike chain bracelet, recycled denim pencil case, and a twisty cardboard chair. Instructables also has an amazing DIY green jewelry section full of creative projects such as making beads from paper, or upcycling a circuit board as earrings.

But just about the most awesome green DIY project on the site is the portable solar power station, which is housed in a rolling toolbox, and offers clean, green power anywhere for anything from a computer to an electric grill.

DIY Network
Learn how to improve any and every part of your home at DIY Network. Covering everything from how to install hardwood floors (not for the faint of heart) to creating an inviting guest room, the site can help you revamp your house from top to bottom, inside and out.

Though the site isn't strictly eco-friendly DIY, there are plenty of projects that reuse, refinish or upcycle things in the home. Use up leftover tiles to make a mosaic table for your patio, transform an old shelving unit into a headboard with storage, or learn how to refinish kitchen cabinets instead of buying new ones.

Lifehacker
Lifehacker is all about making your life easier. Though it's heavy on tech help, there are lots of DIY projects and innovative ways to reuse items for unintended purposes.

Don't you hate it when you lose a mitten? Well reuse that leftover mitten as a case to protect your sunglasses. Have a plank lying around in the garage or shed? Transform it into a great folding table.

Photographers and crafters will love the portable lightbox made from an old folding baby changing table, while anyone can make a stunning tiny moss terrarium in a stemless wine glass, a glass bowl, or any other clear glass vessel you have around the house.

There's so much here to choose from, and though it could take a while to sift through all the computer and tech tips, it's worth it to find the DIY gems.

Green Upgrader
Totally dedicated to eco-living, Green Upgrader features an entire DIY section that teaches you how to upcycle or reuse all sorts of things.

There's the shoe organizer turned herb garden, a planner made from trash, and directions for turning a cereal box into a colorful gift box. If, like just about everyone, you have a too-big concert t-shirt, you can sew, cut or tie it into a custom shirt with one of Green Upgrader's 99 easy projects.

While you're at it, don't forget to check out Naturally Savvy's great green DIY projects, including cork wine glass charms and a homemade garden workstation.