When living in an apartment, it often feels like your property manager is the one who decides how eco-friendly your lifestyle will be. Although, just because you may not be utilizing geothermal heating or solar powered energy, you can still uphold a green way of life. By altering a few essential habits, your apartment can be eco-friendly too!

While some of these tips may seem basic, changing your small, everyday habits can really make a difference:

Flip That Switch

Turn off your lights when you are not in the room, and possibly consider switching to energy efficient lighting. Unplug the items that you are not using for a significant amount of time, even ‘standby’ mode can add hundreds to your yearly energy bill.

Water It Down

Water conservation can be done in so many ways. Attaching water conserving fixtures to your shower head is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to control the flow. Try not to multitask while you have the water running, just a few minutes will waste a lot. Take a bath instead of a shower when you can, use leftover water for your plants and make it a personal goal not to run your washing machine and dishwasher until you have a considerable load. Drying racks are a great way to save energy in your apartment, or even consider utilizing your balcony to dry clothes.

Trash That

Stop throwing away glass, plastic, cardboard and paper! Adding containers to your apartment will make recycling effortless and convenient. Talk to your property manager about placing recycling bins on the property itself or work with other residents to create a recycling team. Instead of throwing away your junk mail each day, opt for online billing to conserve paper waste. Try not to dump your leftover food in the trash right away; freezing is a great way to keep food fresh until you are ready to use it again. Instead of throwing away old clothes and appliances you no longer use, donate to local charities and good wills; your apartment neighbors may even want to participate. Talk to building management, maybe you could create a donation and delivery system every few months.

Grow a Green Thumb

Potted plants inside and outside of your apartment can create a cozy home and a green environment. Do a little research on the best plants for your conditions and encourage your neighbors to do the same! Potted plants make thoughtful gifts for your new neighbors and even old friends.

Zoom Zoom

Take advantage of public transportation services or start a ride share in your very own apartment complex. Traveling together is a great way to make friends and cut down on transportation costs.

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You may not have thought it was possible to make such a green difference in your apartment, but it is easier than you think! Your eco-friendly lifestyle changes can encourage building employees, neighbors, family and friends! Try to come up your own creative ways to make a difference in your space.