Sustainable living in apartments involves adopting eco-friendly practices and making conscious choices to minimize your impact on the environment. In this article, we are going to cover some of the best ways as a renter that you can contribute, conserve and live a greener and healthier eco-friendly lifestyle.
Community Gardens
Many apartment complexes and neighborhoods offer community garden spaces where residents can grow their own produce. These shared gardens not only reduce the need for resource-intensive transportation of food, but also promote a sense of community.
Get Involved
Inquire about your apartment complex's community garden or explore local gardening clubs to join. You can cultivate your favorite vegetables, herbs, and even flowers.
Benefits
By growing your own produce, you reduce your reliance on store-bought, packaged goods. This not only lowers your carbon footprint but also provides fresh, organic produce at a fraction of the cost.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Investing in energy-efficient appliances is a key aspect of green living. Look for appliances with ENERGY STAR ratings, which consume less energy and save you money on your utility bills.
Choose Wisely
When it's time to upgrade your appliances, opt for energy-efficient models, such as LED lighting, Energy Star-rated refrigerators, and programmable thermostats.
Savings
While these appliances may have a higher upfront cost, they typically pay for themselves through lower electricity bills over time.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The classic mantra for sustainable living applies to apartment dwellers as well. Practice these principles to minimize waste and save money.
Reduce
Buy products with minimal packaging and use reusable items like cloth shopping bags.
Reuse
Repurpose items whenever possible, such as turning glass jars into storage containers, or plastic takeout containers into short-term use Tupperware.
Recycle
Familiarize yourself with your apartment complex's recycling program and ensure you're recycling correctly. Also, don’t hesitate to ask about composting programs as well!
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Switch to LED or CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) bulbs, which use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Upgrade Gradually
As your incandescent bulbs burn out, replace them with energy-efficient alternatives. This gradual shift is cost-effective. Plus, there are many LED bulbs that have smart home capabilities, with any outlet, which create some flair to your home’s interior.
Water Conservation
Use water-saving fixtures such as low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce water consumption.
Quick Fixes
Install a water-saving showerhead and fix any leaks promptly to prevent water wastage. Make sure to touch base with your landlord and ask if making improvements or modifications to plumbing in your apartment is ok before doing anything.
Natural Cleaning Products
Opt for eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products or make your own with simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
Cost-Efficient
Homemade cleaning products are often cheaper than store-bought ones and are safer for your health and the environment.
Sustainable Decor
Choose furniture and decor made from sustainable materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, or other recycled materials.
Thrift Stores
Shop at thrift stores or online marketplaces for second-hand, eco-friendly furniture and decor. Be mindful that the best places to save money would be large donation centers like Goodwill or Savers, as sometimes thrift markets can have really large markups from private sellers, and won’t necessarily save you money.
Green living in apartments is not only beneficial for the planet but also for your wallet. By adopting eco-friendly practices like community gardening, using energy-efficient appliances, and reducing waste, you can lead a more sustainable lifestyle while cutting down on living expenses. Make the commitment to implement these practices, and you'll find that you can make a positive impact on the environment and your finances simultaneously.
