How to Make Your Apartment Eco-Friendly on a Budget

Renting can be frustrating at times. We are limited in what we can accomplish with our apartment, and running changes by a landlord can be time and energy consuming. We can’t just upgrade to more energy efficient appliances, and installing solar panels on a temporary residence isn’t the way to go. So what can an environmentally conscientious renter do? We’ve compiled a few helpful tips to save you money and help protect the planet.

1. Swap Out your Light Bulbs

This is an easy, inexpensive way to save a few bucks and energy, especially if you plan on living in the apartment for more than a year. You can save over 60% more energy by sacking your incandescent bulbs and exchanging them with CFL (compact fluorescent lights).

2. Refurbish and Go Vintage

If you like treasure hunting at thrift stores, upcycling could be for you. Once you’ve bought a few supplies, like wax and paint, renovating secondhand furniture pays for itself time and time again. You’re creating great conversation pieces for your upscale apartment home while also reducing waste.

3. Get Rid of Chemicals

They’re not good for your health or the environment, so why use them to clean? Vinegar is a great alternative for killing mold and other bacteria at a fraction of the price.

4. Conserve Like the Planet Depends on It

There are so many unobtrusive, inexpensive ways to conserve energy and water. Installing a low-flow shower head, turning off the tap when you brush your teeth, and shaving with a cup of warm water can help you conserve like there’s no tomorrow. Lowering the temperature of your home a few degrees in the winter can help conserve energy and generate huge savings over time. You can easily make up for reduction with a blanket or hoodie.

5. Bring in a Few Plants

You can create a warm and comfortable atmosphere in a modern apartment by decorating with plants—not to mention the fresh air they’ll generate. Rubber plants, aloe vera plants, peace lilies, or lucky bamboo plants are all easy to take care of in an apartment, even for people who are frequently away.