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When it comes to creating a healthier planet for future generations, the smallest changes can add up to make the biggest difference. If you're looking to minimize your carbon footprint and reduce waste, there are plenty of ways you can accomplish this as a renter without making drastic lifestyle changes. Not sure where to begin? We've got you covered with a handful of eco-friendly living tips you can implement today.
1. Stick to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Have you ever thought about the ingredients that are in the cleaning products you use in your apartment each day? If you're like many consumers, you probably haven't. However, people are becoming more conscious of the everyday products they're using in their homes, as well as the impact these products can have on the planet.
Many store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals and toxins that can not only be damaging to the environment, but to your indoor air quality as well. To cut down on potentially harmful fumes, consider making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products. You might even try swapping out some of your "typical" cleaning chemicals with all-natural solutions. White vinegar, for example, can be effective and useful for cleaning windows and even removing stains from furniture.
2. Practice Water Conservation
Cutting down on your water consumption can also play a vital role in protecting the planet's resources. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average family can waste 180 gallons of water per week! Fortunately, there are plenty of small changes you can make to conserve water.
Do you tend to leave the faucet running while you brush your teeth? If so, then you could save several gallons of water per day by simply shutting off the water while you brush. That may not seem like much, but over the course of a few months or even a year, that's a huge amount of water saved.
You can further conserve water by making more conscious decisions about when you run your dishwasher or even how often you wash your clothes. Consider, for instance, waiting to run your dishwasher until it's full rather than running a cycle each night. The same goes for your clothes; hold off on doing laundry until you have a full load to wash. This will prevent unnecessary water use and cut down on waste.
3. Wash Clothes with Cold Water
Speaking of laundry, there's another small change you can make to save not on water—but on energy use. By washing your clothes in cold water instead of warm or hot water, you can drastically cut down on the amount of energy needed to wash a load of laundry. Many people don't realize that a great deal of energy is needed to heat enough water to wash a load of clothing in hot water.
Likewise, most garments don't need to be washed in warm or hot water in order to be properly cleaned. This is especially true if you use a laundry detergent that's specifically formulated for use with cold water. In fact, studies have shown that washing four out of five laundry loads in cold water can cut up to 864 pounds of CO2 emissions per household each year.
4. Cut Down on Single-Use Plastic
One of the worst contributors to pollution across the globe is single-use plastic. From plastic bags and cutlery to straws and cups, these plastic items are typically used only once before being tossed in the trash. Sadly, it is estimated that about half of the planet's annual plastic production is designated for single-use—and more than 91% of it doesn't get recycled.
The good news? You can reduce your dependency on single-use plastics by making a few small changes to your everyday shopping habits. Consider, for example, committing to using a refillable and reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water from the grocery store. Ditch plastic straws for reusable stainless steel or silicone options. These swaps may not seem like much, but they can add up to make a huge difference.
5. Reduce Energy Consumption
Last but not least, explore some renter-friendly ways to cut down on energy consumption in your apartment home. One of the easiest things you can do is to unplug your electronics and other small appliances (such as hair dryers, phone chargers, and lamps) while they're not in use. Many people don't realize that small electronics continue to draw electrical power while they're plugged in—even if they're not actually turned on.
Many renters find it convenient to plug electronics (such as televisions and cable boxes) into power strips. Not only does this protect them from electrical surges, but these power strips are equipped with an on/off switch that makes it possible to shut off power to multiple devices at once when not in use.
Find Your Next Apartment Home
As you can see, living a more eco-friendly lifestyle as a renter doesn't have to mean making drastic lifestyle changes. In fact, if everybody implemented just a few of these eco-friendly living tips, the world would be better off for it. So, which of these will you try?
If you're still on the hunt for a beautiful apartment home that suits your lifestyle in the Kansas City or Dallas-Fort Worth areas, Price Brothers is here to help. With 39 welcoming communities and a history that dates back more than 100 years, we take a lot of pride in the apartment homes we have to offer. Reach out today for help in finding your next place!