Every day can be Earth Day when you choose to go green in your living space, even if you reside in an apartment. With more people downsizing from large homes to apartments these days, reducing the carbon footprint is on the minds of many. A green lifestyle can include changes in the way you utilize natural resources to being more responsible about the products you bring into your home.
Green Apartment Tips for the Responsible Citizen
Taking time to be a more eco-friendly consumer can also mean taking the time to recycle, restore, and re-use the items you would otherwise add to landfills. There are also proactive ways you can live comfortably and economically in your apartment, while honoring green practices. Read on to learn some tips for living a more earth-friendly lifestyle in your flat.
Set up an apartment-size recycling center. Just because you live in a small space, doesn’t mean you can’t participate in recycling to cut down on waste. Select a wall in your pantry or laundry area to add adjustable shelves and plastic containers to hold recyclable goods. Label these containers by the type of recycled items; such as glass, plastics, aluminum, and paper products. When they get filled, take them to your local recycling center to do your part for the earth.
Use container gardens to grow your own food. One of the best ways to cut down your dependency on grocery stores that get their food from imported sources is to grow your own. While it may be impossible to dig an outdoor garden plot, you can easily add a container garden to your apartment, on the balcony or roof if you are inclined. Choose hardy plants, like tomatoes, peppers, and salad greens, to grow in recycled pots. Be sure to share your bounty with your neighbors as often as possible.
Buy used apartment furnishings to refurbish. When designing your apartment for comfort, consider the use of previously owned furnishings to cut down on landfill waste. Scour flea markets, thrift and antique shops for sturdy pieces that you can recover using organic fabrics. Not only is this a fun way to furnish your apartment, but your inside environment will be safer. New furniture can give off harmful chemicals and cause allergies. Older furnishings give an apartment character, without the cost to the earth’s rainforests.
Control natural light to cut down on apartment energy use. Like to save money on your heating and light bills, at the same time as living green? Your apartment probably has a nice source of natural light coming in from windows. Get insulated drapes that easily slide back to let the light in on cold days, and close them on hot days to keep your apartment cool. If you can install a skylight, you can also add light to areas where you normally would need to have a lamp.
Choose Energy Star apartment appliances. A good way to green your apartment is to upgrade your appliances with energy saving units, approved by Energy Star. Look for this label when adding even small kitchen appliances, as they will help you to conserve energy and save on your electric bill. Over time, you can save as much as 30 percent on your energy bills, which is good for your wallet and the environment.
Reduce water use with shower and toilet savers. Every time you flush a toilet or take a shower you are flushing gallons of precious water down the drain. Install a water reducing device to your toilets to cut down on the amount of water used. Get water saving shower heads and sink faucets that add pressure and reduce water use. You may also want to find ways to cut down on how much you use your dishwasher and how often you water your grass or wash your car.
Living in an apartment alone can be part of a green lifestyle plan, because you automatically have a smaller area to maintain, and keep comfortable. For example, you can get an apartment in Chandapura. Make an effort to find ways to cut down on your use of natural resources, including being responsible when it comes to transportation and product use.
About the author: Robert Mansions has been writing for Apartments Management Group for some time. When he’s not too busy writing or reviewing apartment rentals, he likes to spend time on his boat with his family and friends.
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