If you are like the 31% of Gen Zers that love the idea of living in a two-bedroom apartment and you also want to live a more sustainable life to help planet Earth, then you’re in luck. It turns out that you don’t need to live in a large home or install solar panels just to make a difference in the world. Instead, there are many different changes and modifications that you can make to your apartment so you can know that you are contributing to a cleaner environment.
To help you out, we have some advice and tips that renters and landlords can use to turn their apartment into a healthy place for the occupants and for Mother Earth.
Reasons To Go Green
Many people want to lead more sustainable lives so they can help the planet, but they believe that they can’t make much of a difference on their own. The truth is that by making smart choices, you can truly help the environment. If every single person in the world recycled and used energy-efficient appliances, then we could reuse more products and reduce the pollution in the air. By doing your part, you can convince others to do the same, and we could really make a difference.
While you are helping the planet, going green can also help you to be healthier overall. When the air is cleaner, you can breathe easier and get the oxygen flowing throughout your body. By using eco-friendly cleaning supplies, you avoid putting harsh chemicals in the air, and you can prevent them from irritating your eyes, skin, and throat. Also, being around greenery and cleanliness helps us to think clearer and improve our mental health, and that is always a good thing.
You may not realize it, but just the fact that you live in an apartment helps the planet. For starters, since you will live in a smaller place with fewer electronics, you’ll naturally be using less energy than you would in a permanent residence. Many apartment buildings also have shared resources, like washers and dryers, which means that less energy is wasted per person. Best of all, living in an apartment naturally lowers your retail consumption, so you buy less, which means that factories need to produce less, which cuts down on pollution.
Congrats! You are already a part of the solution.
Renters Can Cut Down on Energy Costs
Even though you are already making a difference with your apartment living, there are other changes that you can make around the unit to further reduce your carbon footprint. Remember to speak to your landlord and get approval before you make any drastic changes.
Let’s start with electricity. In order to produce the energy necessary to power and light your home, fossil fuels must be burned, so if you are more conservative on your usage, then you could be doing the planet a great service. You can start simply by replacing all of your incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which not only burn brighter, but also use less energy and are generally more affordable.
Even though you will need to use some electricity to function, you can make modifications to your routine to use less. Start by opening the blinds and letting in the natural light that is so good for our mental and physical health. If necessary, move your couch and television set so that you can go longer during the day without needing to turn on the lights. Use this same advice if you work remotely from home. Natural light can help you be more productive and drastically cut the cost of your electric bill.
Finally, be cautious with your heating and cooling costs. Keep the heat and air conditioning at a moderate temperature, so you are comfortable, but don’t overdo it. If you leave the house for work, then you will want to modify the temperature so you can avoid waste. Ask your landlord if you can install a smart thermostat that will automatically adjust the temperature when you leave and come home. It will make a huge difference.
Landlords Can Make Eco-Friendly Changes
While renters can make a difference during their tenure, landlords can also make many different eco-friendly updates around the apartment to make the space more sustainable and make it more alluring to renters who want to do their part to help the planet.
If you manage an older building, consider replacing the windows with eco-friendly alternatives that will provide a proper seal so air and energy don’t escape. That means that your air conditioner and heater don’t need to work overtime. You can also eliminate waste in the bathrooms by replacing the showerheads and faucets with low-flow alternatives that will use less water while still serving their purpose.
Also, consider replacing any old and outdated appliances with Energy Star-rated alternatives. You can replace your dishwasher, laundry machines, refrigerator, and more. You will reduce the overall energy consumption and waste less water, as well. You can save money by allowing renters to bring in their own energy-efficient appliances. If they do, consider giving them a discount on rent.
As you can see, there are many changes that renters, landlords, and property managers can make to create a more eco-friendly rental. Consider these tips and help make the planet a healthier place.
