Most people believe it’s easier to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle when they own a home. Furthermore, living in an apartment means that renters can’t change many things, leaving them feeling as though they can’t do much.
However, renters have more control over their living environment than they think. Whether you’re changing your light bulbs, using low VOC paints, or weather stripping, every effort you make takes you a step closer to sustainability. Here’s a list of tips that will help you adopt a green lifestyle and simultaneously save as a renter.
Lower Your Thermostat
Lowering the temperature of your thermostat is easy, needs little work, and provides huge benefits. As a renter, you can save hundreds, or possibly thousands annually by lowering the thermostat throughout the winter.
Another substitute is requesting the property owner to install a thermostat with time settings; set the device to decrease while you’re out of the apartment (i.e. at work or running errands) or throughout the night while you’re sleeping. This will generate cash savings and decrease your carbon footprint through less consumption of fossil fuels.
Covering the Windows
You may have selected your rental partially because of a stunning view, but displaying it constantly could waste resources and cost you money.
Cover any huge windows with thick shades or drapery. Bear in mind that window covering can decrease heat loss considerably during winter while keeping bright sunlight out can keep your rental cool during summer.
Alternative Power Options
Although off-grid living isn’t feasible for most renters, it doesn’t mean you can’t go renewable. Numerous huge utility purveyors offer options for green power. Furthermore, you can buy offsets from a trustworthy supplier to compensate for your energy usage.
You’ll also find a growing number of small-scale renewable devices such as solar cookers in the market. Although the energy they generate is unlikely to constitute a huge percentage of your household usage, they can inspire you to energy independence.
Bear in mind that clean energy incorporates highly effective combined power and heat together with renewable sources of energy. Although changing your system will cost you more per kilowatt-hour, you can offset this through energy efficient appliances.
Talk to the property owner and see whether he or she’s eager to upgrade the entire building, though you may alter your energy individually. If the entire apartment has to make the switch, remind the landlord that green energy will generate savings in the long run though it may come with an upfront cost.
Improved Lighting Options
Consider changing your traditional light bulbs for LEDs or compact fluorescents (CFLs) so you can save considerable money and energy. If you’re concerned about moving before you witness the results of the investment, you can take them along. Alternatively, you could leave them for the benefit of future tenants.
Rectify Poor Insulation
Numerous rental properties suffer from leaky windows and doors or poor insulation but this doesn’t have to be the case. By implementing simple, affordable measures such as weather stripping to windows and doors, you can have a considerable impact on your bills.
Final Thoughts
As a renter, you might think that going green is impossible or that the costs will drain you financially. This isn’t so. You’ll discover that green living is indeed possible even for renters who adopt these simple tips.
For more information on how to live a green life and save rent, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.
