Spring is in the air (especially the pollen!)! Now that everything is in bloom and coming out of its dormant winter state, everything is turning green…and I mean everything. The spring is the perfect time to rethink old habits and start saving money on more efficient ways of living, while protecting our environment. We should all do our part to help the planet look its best.
Here are 17 ways to go green in your apartment this spring:
Going Green around the Apartment
1. Switch out your old lightbulbs for CFLs (compact fluorescent lightbulbs). Just by doing this, you’ll see significant decrease in electric use which means more money back in your pocket!
2. Start using chemical-free and biodegradable green cleaners. They’re better for the environment and your health.
3. Get insulated shades or curtains to keep the heat indoors at night. And when you need some light, instead of turning on a lamp, open the blinds or curtains to illuminate the room.
4. Close vents and doors to rooms that aren’t used as often, like a spare bedroom.
5. Use a surge protector, specifically, a point-of-use protector strip. These allow you to turn off your high electric usage machines with just one switch of the power knob. Surge protectors also help protect your equipment against power spikes.
6. Add (real) houseplants. Indoor greenery not only looks good but naturally cleans the air around you. Shoot for two plants per 100 square feet.
7. Have air filters replaced once a month so the AC runs as efficiently as possible.
Going Green on the Exterior
8. If you have an outside patio herb garden, use green, chemical-free pesticides to protect your plants.
9. Start a compost pile or suggest one to the apartment manager or landlord.
10. Opt for a succulent garden. These plants can hold water in their leaves longer, so they don’t need watering as much as other plants do.
Going Green in the Bathroom
11. Switch out your showerhead to a low flow one to conserve water. But don’t forget to switch it back when you move out.
12. Use recycled cork bathroom accessories. Try this material for your bathmat, soap and toothbrush holder.
13. If you don’t have a low flush toilet, you can MacGyver your own with a milk jug. Fill the jug with sand or rocks and place it in your tank. This will lower the amount of water needed to fill the tank when flushing – just remember to take it out if you decide to move.
14. Talk to the landlord about installing water-efficient faucet aerators.
Going Green in the Kitchen
15. Add a recycling bin in addition to the regular trashcan you already have. If your complex doesn’t have a recycling program, ask the property manager to set one up.
16. Instead of buying plastic water bottles from the store, purchase a large, reusable one and filter the water with a pitcher.
17. Limit your oven use, particularly in the summer. Only turn on the oven when you’re ready to bake and then turn it off immediately after. Running the oven for long periods of time can build up the heat inside the apartment, making your AC run constantly to cool the place down, which can cost you money and wastes energy.
There are lots of big and small ways apartment dwellers can go green in every room of their home. By incorporating these ideas into you daily life, you can save money and protect the planet. If you have some green tips to share with others, feel free to leave a comment below.
