Whether you live in an apartment in Los Angeles, California, or an apartment in Cape May, New Jersey, living sustainably in an apartment is not only about minimizing one’s carbon footprint but also about fostering a lifestyle that reduces waste and promotes environmental consciousness.
By adopting eco-friendly practices, renters can contribute to a healthier planet while enjoying the personal benefits of a more organized and efficient home. This ApartmentGuide article offers practical ways to achieve sustainable living in an apartment setting. Now, let’s get started.
1. Composting
Composting is a simple yet effective way that Niko Dowling with Ghostprint says allows “individuals to reduce waste and enrich plants.” Apartment dwellers can use compact compost bins or worm composters designed for small spaces. By composting kitchen scraps like fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, and coffee grounds, renters can significantly cut down on the amount of organic waste sent to landfills.
Thalia Bachmann-Padilla, senior waste diversion manager for Break It Down, a compost hauling company in Austin, Texas, recommends to those “concerned about odors…storing your bin in the freezer until your compost pickup day.”
2. Invest in reusable products
Adam Piccin, with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), suggests switching to reusable products. “Choose durable, reusable products over single-use alternatives and opt for items with minimal packaging.”
Items such as cloth shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, silicone food storage bags, and reusable coffee cups help reduce the reliance on single-use plastics. Over time, these investments not only help the environment but also save money.
3. Properly utilize designated bins
Proper waste segregation is crucial in a sustainable lifestyle. Ensure that recyclable materials go into the recycling bin, compostable items into the compost bin, and non-recyclable waste into the trash. Familiarize yourself with your community’s recycling guidelines to avoid contamination and maximize recycling efforts.
4. Properly dispose of hazardous items
Hazardous items such as batteries, electronics, and chemicals require special disposal methods. Many communities offer designated drop-off locations or collection events for hazardous waste.
Rabab with HAZWOPER OSHA Training shares how “lithium batteries are found in many electrical devices such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones, e-cigarettes, power tools, drones, etc. Proper disposal of hazardous items like these are essential for maintaining a safe and sustainable living environment.”
5. Use concentrated cleaners
Ketti Wilhelm, author of Tilted Map, a sustainable travel blog recommends using concentrated cleaners as they are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning products. They require less packaging and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Look for concentrated formulas for general cleaning, laundry, and dishwashing, and dilute them according to the instructions.
6. Opt for walking or biking
Natalie Pace, author of The Power of 8 Billion: It’s Up to Us and co-creator of the Earth Gratitude Project suggests whenever possible, choose walking or biking for errands and short trips. These modes of transportation reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money on fuel, and promote physical health. For longer distances, consider public transportation as a greener alternative to driving.
7. Utilize vertical or container gardening
Apartment living doesn’t mean you have to forego gardening. Laura Jewett with AZ Inspired Living recommends vertical or container gardening that allows renters to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers in small spaces. This practice not only enhances apartment aesthetics but also provides a source of fresh, homegrown produce.
8. Be mindful of water waste
Conserving water is an essential aspect of sustainable living. Simple actions such as fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, using water-saving fixtures, and running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads can significantly reduce water consumption. Be mindful of water use in all household activities.
Alex Capozzolo, co-founder of SD House Guys recommends reducing water waste from your toilet by “placing a filled water bottle in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush.”
9. Use energy-efficient light bulbs
Michael D. Levitt, chief burnout officer for the Breakfast Leadership Network recommends replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs can greatly reduce energy consumption. These bulbs use less electricity, last longer, and lower utility bills, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious renters.
10. Opt out of paper mail
For those who still receive paper bills, but are looking for ways to implement sustainable living practices, Rachel Ezell with QRM, recommends opting out of unnecessary mailings to reduce waste. “Sign up for electronic billing, statements, and subscriptions. Use apps or online services to manage documents and communications, minimizing the need for paper.”
11. Upcycle or donate used items
Before discarding items, consider if they can be upcycled or donated. Upcycling gives old items a new life, while donating gently used clothes, furniture, and household goods helps those in need and reduces landfill waste.
Roman Pennell with Loop Deco, who cites that “over 12 million tons of furniture and appliances are discarded in the U.S. annually,” shares how “many of these items can be reused.” He recommends that the “next time you need furniture removed from your apartment, consider eco-friendly options like donation to a local charity or a white glove removal service.”
12. Reduce heat and energy leakage
Michael Rand with rand&rand recommends improving your energy efficiency in your apartment by sealing windows and doors, using draft stoppers, and closing blinds or curtains to maintain indoor temperature. He adds: “Move furniture away from heating vents so heat can spread more easily.” These measures reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling, saving energy and lowering utility costs.
Final thoughts on how to be eco-conscious as a renter:
By integrating these sustainable living tips into daily routines, apartment renters can make a significant positive impact on the environment. Small changes, when collectively embraced, lead to meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.