Living sustainably in an apartment might seem like a challenge, especially with limited space and the demands of a busy lifestyle. However, with the right smart strategies, you can make eco-friendly changes that fit your living situation, save energy, and reduce waste. These simple green living tips for apartments will help you create a more eco-friendly home, all while enhancing comfort, saving money, and reducing your environmental footprint.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 easy, actionable tips that you can start implementing today. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or someone who wants to make a positive change, these solutions will fit into your lifestyle and help your apartment become a greener, more sustainable living space.
1. Start with a Simple Decluttering Routine
Before you dive into making green upgrades to your apartment, the first step is to declutter. A lot of waste and unnecessary consumption stem from things we don’t use but keep around. When organizing, focus on what’s necessary and what you can donate, sell, or recycle.
- Declutter your closets, kitchen, and bathroom: Go through old items, clothing, or appliances. Recycle packaging and dispose of items responsibly.
- Donate items in good condition that you no longer use.
Not only will decluttering make your apartment feel more organized, but it’ll also reduce excessive waste and encourage a minimalist approach, making eco-friendly living easier.
2. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting: Save Energy and Money
One of the easiest and most affordable green changes is switching your lighting to LED bulbs. These bulbs consume up to 80% less energy and last far longer than traditional bulbs. This is a simple and quick upgrade that can reduce your electricity bill and your overall carbon footprint.
Pro Tip
If you have smart bulbs like Philips Hue or LIFX, you can control your lighting remotely and even program it to turn off when you leave the apartment, helping conserve energy.
3. Reduce Phantom Energy with Smart Power Strips
Phantom energy is the power used by appliances when turned off but still plugged in. Over time, this energy consumption can add up. To eliminate this waste, use smart power strips that cut off power to your devices when not in use. These power strips can be programmed to shut off automatically, reducing standby power waste.
This is especially useful for televisions, chargers, computers, and kitchen appliances. It’s a simple and affordable way to lower your apartment’s energy consumption.
4. Embrace Natural Cleaning Products
Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that pollute the environment and can be dangerous to health. Switch to natural cleaning products like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. Not only are these options better for the environment, but they also tend to be healthier for you and your family.
- You can make your own cleaning solutions with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Many eco-friendly brands, like Method and Seventh Generation, offer safe, effective cleaners.
By reducing chemical use, you’re creating a safer home environment while supporting sustainable products.
5. Optimize Water Usage with Low-Flow Fixtures
Water conservation is critical, and in an apartment, it’s important to use water-efficient fixtures to reduce both your water usage and utility bills. Install low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets that reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance. These fixtures are easy to install and can save a significant amount of water over time.
If you live in a place with hard water, consider installing water softeners to reduce mineral buildup and protect your fixtures.
6. Build a Small Indoor Herb Garden: Grow Your Own Food
Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding eco-friendly activities you can do in your apartment. Even with limited space, you can grow herbs like basil, mint, and parsley in small containers on a windowsill.
This not only reduces packaging waste from store-bought herbs but also ensures you always have fresh ingredients on hand. Plus, it’s a fun and therapeutic hobby that connects you with nature.
7. Invest in Reusable Items: Say Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are a major source of waste. Transition to reusable items like grocery bags, straws, water bottles, and food storage containers. Choose products made from sustainable materials like glass, stainless steel, or silicone to reduce plastic waste in your apartment. This simple change will drastically reduce your plastic consumption, keeping your space cleaner and more eco-friendly.
8. Compost Your Kitchen Waste: Reduce Landfill Contribution
If your apartment allows for composting, start collecting food scraps, coffee grounds, and egg shells to compost. Composting helps reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills while providing you with rich, nutrient-dense soil for houseplants or gardens. You can even get a small countertop compost bin or use a composting service if you’re short on space.
9. Choose Sustainable Furniture: Buy Long-Lasting, Eco-Friendly Pieces
When furnishing your apartment, look for eco-friendly furniture made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, or cork.
Many brands now offer furniture with minimal environmental impact, designed to last longer and be repaired instead of replaced. Opt for furniture that is built to last, not only to reduce waste but also to save money in the long run.
10. Go Paperless: Organize Digitally and Eliminate Clutter
Going paperless is one of the most impactful green choices you can make in your apartment. Digital bill pay, document storage, and communication reduce the need for paper products like receipts, invoices, and letters.
For any paperwork you need to keep, consider scanning documents into a digital filing system for easy access and organization. Use apps and online tools for managing finances, work tasks, and important notes to keep paper clutter at bay.
11. Maintain an Efficient Airflow: Use Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats, such as the Nest Thermostat or Ecobee, help optimize your heating and cooling systems based on your schedule and needs. These devices help you save energy by adjusting the temperature when you’re home or away, ensuring that your apartment isn’t over-heating or over-cooling when it isn’t necessary. They also provide insights into your energy consumption, helping you make smarter decisions about your home’s energy use.
12. Switch to Eco-Friendly Bathroom Products
Your bathroom is a place where you can make a significant eco-friendly impact. Eco-friendly bathroom products like bamboo toothbrushes, compostable toilet paper, and organic cotton towels help reduce waste and support sustainable practices.
Additionally, opting for refillable dispensers for soap and shampoo, rather than single-use plastic bottles, can greatly reduce your plastic waste in the bathroom.
13. Use Smart Plugs to Control Energy Use
Smart plugs are an easy and affordable way to control energy usage in your apartment. By using smart plugs, you can remotely turn off electronics or appliances that you forget to unplug, like toasters or coffee makers, preventing them from consuming phantom energy when not in use.
These devices are compatible with most electronics and can help you save on your electricity bill while reducing your overall carbon footprint.
14. Install Window Insulation: Save Energy and Stay Comfortable
If your apartment has old windows or drafty spots, consider installing window insulation to improve energy efficiency. Window films or weatherstripping can keep heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer, ensuring that your apartment stays comfortable year-round without using extra energy for heating or cooling.
15. Buy Secondhand or Upcycled Items
Instead of buying new products, opt for secondhand furniture and upcycled home goods. Many thrift stores and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace offer gently used items that are still in great condition. By purchasing secondhand, you’re reducing waste and supporting the circular economy, while giving new life to items that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Conclusion: Transform Your Apartment into a Sustainable Home
Creating a greener, more sustainable apartment is all about making small, manageable changes that reduce your impact on the planet. From energy-efficient appliances to reusable items, each of these 15 tips will help you live more sustainably, save money, and create an apartment that’s not only eco-friendly but also comfortable and functional.
By incorporating these green living practices into your daily routine, you’ll contribute to a healthier planet while creating a home you can feel good about. Start with a few of these tips and gradually build a more sustainable, energy-efficient living space that fits your needs.
