8 Easy Ways for Renters to Create More Environmentally-Friendly Homes
by Marie Nieves
Living in an environmentally friendly home is something that is slowly transitioning from a requirement of a selected group of people to something we can describe as the new benchmark. The great news is that, as a tenant, you have the ability to use these foundations and make your rental space more eco-friendly without burning piles of money or causing inconveniences.
In this short breakdown, we’ll explore eight straightforward and practical methods tenants can use to make the apartments they have rented even greener. These easy-to-implement tips will help you reduce your carbon footprint, lower utility bills, and become a part of the movement turning into a genuine avalanche.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
This has to be one of the simplest and yet most impactful ways to instantly make your current dwelling far greener and more efficient. So, throw away your traditional light bulbs and replace them with trendier alternatives such as LED or CFL bulbs. These modern bulbs consume significantly less energy, have a much longer lifespan, and emit less heat so they present a better option in all sensible regards.
As a result, you will drastically reduce energy consumption and lower your bills. As a tenant, changing light bulbs is a hassle-free task, and you’ll soon notice the positive effects on both your energy usage and monthly expenses.
Smart Thermostats
If you want to take control of your rental space’s temperature in an eco-friendly manner this has to be one of the first investments you will make. Smart thermostats, in general, are very tenant-friendly devices that relieve loads of temperature control weight off your shoulders. They learn your heating and cooling patterns over time and automatically adjust the settings to maximize energy savings.
Some smart thermostats even come packed with smartphone apps, allowing you to control your home’s temperature remotely. So, there’s no chance you will go on a trip and forget to shut this vital system of your home down.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Most rental units won’t go that far to give you control over the selection of appliances. What you can do, however, is to seek out rental properties that already feature energy-efficient additions. Look for the units with the ENERGY STAR certification which indicates they meet strict standards set by the EPA or in other words U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The devices designed to consume less energy appliances will not only make a more positive impact on the environment but also trim down your utility bills. If you look at the current offer of apartments for rent you will see that these additions have become a genuine staple of the real estate market. So, don’t hesitate to give them full priority in your search.
Sustainable Furnishings
At this moment, sustainable furnishings have become a standard part of sustainable construction. But, even if your apartment doesn’t have these inclusions, sustainable furnishings like bamboo, reclaimed wood, or secondhand furniture make an excellent decoration option. And not only do these choices align with your eco-friendly goals, but they can also turn out to be extremely budget-friendly.
Sustainable furnishings not only add character and charm to your living space but also add even more big guns to your sustainable living arsenal. By choosing these options, you make a positive environmental impact while creating an aesthetically pleasing living environment.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Promote a sustainable lifestyle by actively participating in recycling programs available in your rental community. Reach out to your landlord or property management to get to know more about recycling options and guidelines specific to the area where you are going to live. The more educated you are about what can and cannot be recycled, the more neighbors and people around will encourage you to do the same. By taking small but consistent steps, you can significantly reduce waste and conserve valuable resources within your rental community.
Water Conservation
Tenants can actively contribute to water conservation by adopting water-saving practices in their rental homes. Install low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce water usage without compromising water pressure. Be proactive about checking for and promptly fixing leaks in your plumbing and fixtures to prevent water waste. Simple actions like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can also make a noticeable impact on your overall water consumption.
Sustainable Transportation
Consider adopting eco-friendly transportation practices to reduce your carbon footprint as a tenant. Explore and utilize public transportation options, carpool with neighbors or colleagues, bike, or walk whenever possible and safely. Your commuting choices can have a direct and positive impact on the environment. If you have the flexibility to choose your transportation mode, prioritize greener options to contribute to cleaner air, reduced traffic congestion, and a healthier community.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning
Clean products can have a horrific influence on the environment. So even something as simple as making better choices when it comes to cleaning products can go a long way in addressing this issue. Green cleaning products are not only kinder to Mother Earth but also for your personal well-being. Seek out only the cleaning products that are completely biodegradable and free from any sort of harsh chemicals.
This may sound like a minor and insignificant thing to do, but the global green movement is built on small efforts that, combined, create a massive tide no one can ignore.
Conclusion
We hope these couple of suggestions gave you a better idea about some of the simplest strategies you can use to make the space you occupy, cleaner, leaner, and far more eco-friendly. Of course, as a tenant, the list of decisions you can make regarding the rental apartment is very short. But, even this narrow opening gives you plenty of space to start moving in the more eco-friendly direction. As soon as you step through these green doors, you can only keep moving forward.
Author bio: Marie Nieves is a passionate blogger with an eye for design, a flair for storytelling, and a love for culture. She contributes regularly to various blogs and online magazines, all while satisfying her wanderlust by exploring states and countries near and far.