If you’re like most people, you probably think that it’s much easier to go green and begin eco-friendly living once you have your place. When you reside in an apartment, you can’t change many things so you may feel like you can’t do much.
However, you can still make changes and adopt sustainable living in a rental. Here’s a list of ways you can adopt green apartment living.
Sustainable Materials
Shifting to sustainable materials can enhance the appearance of your living space and move you closer to having your eco-friendly apartment. For instance, bamboo and recycled materials can help produce a “greener” apartment while ensuring affordability.
A huge advantage is that you can apply these materials to several items around the apartment. Consider filling your apartment with eco-friendly furniture by purchasing pieces at local boutiques and stores. This way, you’ll obtain unique pieces while protecting the environment.
Cooling and Heating
Turn down the programmable thermostat during winter and back up during summer. Bear in mind that switching the room temperature by just two degrees can save a huge amount of carbon emissions and generate savings in your utility bills.
Electricity Usage
Electricity usage represents a significant proportion of your environmental footprint, so ensure you research clean energy options and do your part to decrease energy usage at home. It’s important you contact your utility company and establish whether it provides green power choices.
Clean energy options include highly effective combined power and heat as well as renewable energy sources. Altering your system will naturally cost you more per kilowatt but you can offset it by energy effective appliances.
Talk to the landlord to establish whether he or she’s willing to upgrade the entire building though you can still alter your energy individually. If the entire apartment must switch, remind the landlord that green energy will generate savings though he or she will incur an upfront cost.
Cover Windows
You may have selected your apartment partially because of a stunning view, but keeping it on display constantly could cost you financially and result in resource wastage. Cover any huge window with shades or thick drapery.
You’ll discover that covering windows can considerably decrease heat loss during winter while keeping out bright sunlight can help keep the apartment cool during summer.
Lighting Options
You can illuminate your space with energy efficient light fixtures made from recycled goods, for instance glass bottles. Upcycling is a great trend that involves taking old materials and transforming them into something decorative.
Make sure you seek fixtures that have the Energy Star seal, which lets you know that the purchased item is energy efficient. You’ll discover that such options are not only environmentally friendly but also save you money.
Maximize Machines
Living green doesn’t imply that you must avoid modern conveniences, for instance dishwashers and washing machines. Rather, you shouldn’t use them wastefully. When it comes to the washing machine, wait until you have a full load to turn it on.
With the dishwasher, you don’t have to clean the dishes each night if you produce a few dirty items daily. Instead, wait until the machine is full before you run the load as usual.
Final Thoughts
Going green doesn’t have to involve incorporating permanent installations to your space. It simply means making a few changes that promote an eco-friendly atmosphere. If you don’t know where to start, check out this guide.
For more information on green apartment living, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.
