Green Daily

Sure, you could buy a new refrigerator that's Energy Star-compliant and features the latest and greatest in energy efficiency.

But why do that when you can make your own?

Ben Hewitt from the Daily Green's Green Hacks column tells you how to do just that. Hewitt's reasons for the hack? "Because you live in the north. Because it drives you nuts that you're using electricity to chill your food when it's 20 below outside. Because you're committed."

Essentially, he fashioned a large insulated box out of 2x4s, plywood, cedar paneling, foam "pinkboard," and computer fans, and attached it to the side of his house. In his case, Hewitt attached the "ambient air fridge" to the outside of a door that leads to a porch, but your case will most likely be different. The hack is a bit complicated, and you might need an electrician to drill two holes in the box and wire in the computer fans. When done correctly, the top will bring in cold air, and the bottom will usher out hot air. (And if you don't feel like dealing with the fans, just stuff the holes with old socks, and remove them if your fridge gets too warm).

Obviously, this hack works most efficiently in the colder months in colder climates. In Hewitt's Vermont home, the fridge stays at about 40 degrees F during the winter.

And for that, Mr. Hewitt, we salute you.