Spring is in the air, and everything is in bloom. Now that the world is coming out of its dormant winter state, it is the perfect time for change around your home. Many renters do some spring cleaning, but it is also a good opportunity to make some eco-friendly upgrades to help out the planet. Discover the many ways you can go green in your apartment.
What Is Going Green?
Going green refers to when people change their behaviors and habits to more sustainable and eco-friendly options to help the environment. Some common ways of going green are recycling, limiting energy consumption, and choosing eco-friendly products.
Why Should I Go Green?
Protecting and preserving the environment is one of the main reasons to go green, but there are plenty of other reasons. Having an eco-friendly apartment can save you some money, prolong an item’s lifespan, improve your health, and give you a sense of satisfaction.
How to Go Green in Your Apartment
Here are 17 ways to go green in your apartment this spring:
1. Switch to LED
Switch out your old lightbulbs for LED bulbs, as they are the most energy-efficient option. LEDs have gone down in price since they were first introduced, so you don’t have to break the bank to go green.
Compared to other lightbulbs, they may be a bit more expensive, but it’s a worthwhile investment because you’ll see a significant decrease in electricity use. This means you’ll save a lot of money on your utility bill over time!
2. Use green cleaning supplies
Start using green cleaning supplies that are safer for you and the environment. Avoid products that have harsh chemicals, as they can be hazardous to your health and the Earth.
3. Insulate your home
Get insulated curtains and insulate your windows and doors to prevent heat or air from escaping. Doing this ensures you’ll pay less for heating and a/c by not letting air out or in.
4. Close vents and doors
Close vents and doors in rooms that aren’t used as often, like a spare bedroom. It will make the heating and air conditioning go to the rooms you spend a lot of time in, like your bedroom or living room.
5. Wash your clothes with cold water
Wash your clothes with cold water as it takes a lot of energy to heat the water in a washing machine. Many detergents are made to be just as effective in cold water as in hot.
6. Hang your clothes to dry
Air dry your clothes. Hanging your clothes up helps you not use the dryer, thus lowering your energy consumption.
7. Place plants around your apartment
Add (real) houseplants that purify the air and brighten your space. Choose plants that fit your apartment type; for example, if you have a dimly lit apartment, a peace lily is a great choice.
8. Pay your bills online
Pay all your bills online and save paper! There is a bounty of benefits to paperless billing in addition to helping the planet, such as convenience and security.
9. Pick energy-efficient appliances
Switch to energy-efficient appliances. While you may be unable to change the big ones that came with your apartment, like the washer and refrigerator, you can switch smaller appliances you own to eco-friendly ones. This could be your TV, monitor, and computer.
10. Start composting
Start composting with one of the many methods, like aerobic or anaerobic. Whichever way you pick, choose the one that best suits your apartment and goals.
11. Go reusable
Use reusable or bio-degradable products and get rid of any non-reuseable or plastic items. This can be done for many items like paper towels, shopping bags, Tupperware containers, and more.
12. Start a garden
Grow your own herbs and, if you have room, vegetables and other foods. Limiting the supply chain to you reduces the impact of food creation.
13. Pick eco-friendly materials
Use eco-friendly materials for furniture, clothing, linens, and anything else. To be eco-friendly, a material needs to be renewable, recyclable, have a low energy footprint, or a combination of them all. Good examples of good materials to use are bamboo, hemp, reclaimed wood, and cork.
14. Turn off and unplug your appliances
Limit your use of energy-hungry appliances like air conditioning. As hot as it can get during the spring, try opening a window and letting a breeze in before cranking up the air conditioning. Turn off your lights and open the curtains for some natural light.
15. Conserver water
Talk to your landlord about installing water-efficient products. These products help you conserve and save water. Anything that uses water can be replaced with a water-efficient model, whether it is your faucet, showerhead, or even your toilet.
16. Recycle
Add a recycling bin next to your trashcan to put all your recyclables in. If your complex doesn’t have a recycling program, ask your property manager to set one up or find a recycling center near you.
17. Filter your own water
Get a water filter pitcher instead of buying plastic water bottles. Filling your own water bottle cuts down on plastic use.
There are lots of big and small ways renters can go green. You can start small with a simple switch of what products you use, or you can take on a major project by starting a garden. By incorporating these ideas into your daily life, you can save money and protect the planet.
FAQs
How do I decorate my apartment in an eco-friendly way?
One of the best ways to decorate while being eco-friendly is using recycled items. Cardboard boxes can make great storage bins, wine bottles can be turned into cute vases, and used soda cans can be used for planters. There are many ways to decorate your apartment while being kind to Earth!
How do I keep my apartment cool without a/c?
If you’re trying to be green and not use your a/c, you can cool down in several ways. Get some blackout shades or shut your curtains to block sunlight from coming in and heating your apartment. Open a window to let a breeze in and set up a fan to get some air movement going.
