Green Living in Your Apartment

Today, more and more people are looking for ways to live more energy-efficient lifestyles. Whether it’s with intentions to save money or working towards reducing your carbon footprint, this is a trend that plenty of households are now incorporating.

So how can you “go green” in your apartment? While some may opt to install solar panels and seal their homes, this isn’t a realistic option for everyone. Here are a few simple suggestions for going green in your apartment.

Switch Your Light Bulbs

Most people find that their lighting costs make up a large percentage of their monthly utility bills. While it’s helpful to get in the habit of turning the lights out in rooms when they’re not being used, an easier solution to save energy is trading in your bulbs for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs). These bulbs can last 10 to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, while also using 70 to 90 percent less energy. With longer-lasting bulbs using less energy, you’ll be saving a lot of money, which can be better spent on the latest and greatest in home décor, such as new lamps to hold your new bulbs.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Another way people add unnecessary costs to their utility bills each month is by constantly changing the thermostat. One way to have better control of your apartment’s temperature is by adding curtains to control the amount of sunlight entering your home throughout the year. By keeping your curtains closed during the summer, you will block out the sunlight that tends to creep in and heat up your home. When the winter months come around, keep the curtains open to allow natural light to pour in through your windows, which will reduce the need to crank up the thermostat for heat.

Start Unplugging

Did you know if your TVs, desktops and other electronics are plugged in, even if the devices are turned off, they are still using up energy? While most people don’t think to unplug these devices when they’re not being used, it can account for an additional 10 percent or more on your monthly utility bill. Since it’s unrealistic to keep all of your devices unplugged all of the time when not in use, consider using power strips to control the power of several devices at once, making it easier to shut down your appliances when necessary.

Handwash the Dishes

If your apartment includes a dishwasher, it can make the process of cleaning many dishes at once simple and convenient. However, choosing to constantly run the dishwasher can be costly. Instead, try to get into the habit of washing your dishes in a sink and air drying them afterwards to conserve water, and ultimately save on utilities each month.

Going green doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll find yourself saving money while also making a difference in the world we all share, living a more conservative and energy-efficient lifestyle.