How to be eco-friendly in an apartment?

Question

I'm about to move out of my parents home and into my own apartment. My family has never been green but I want to change that for myself. So, what are some ideas to be eco-friendly while living an an apt. that has certain regulations?

Answer 1

Glad you want to be eco-friendly! If it makes you feel better, living in an apartment has a lower carbon footprint than having your own house. But anyways....

(1) Make sure all your lighting are CFLs

(2) If your window hits the sun, have external shades to block out the heat (to avoid using your AC during this time of day)

(3) If you have a computer, make sure you have a monitor that doesn't use alot of energy (a flat LCD screen as opposed to those huge cathode tubeS!)

(4) If you need to buy new sheets, get bamboo, linen, or hemp.

(5) Try and reuse as much things from your old place; buying new things makes your footprint bigger.

(6) If you need to buy "new" furniture, go to a refurbished place

(7) Have a recycle bin that is bigger than your garbage bin!

Answer 2

It's the same where ever you live. Making better choices about what we buy and what we use. If you are moving into your own place a few suggestions: Buy second hand or vintage if you prefer, using something that is used means less impact to produce a new product. If you do buy new, look for recycled content, sustainably harvested wood and organic cloth.

Create less waste, buy only what you need. Look for items that have multiple uses and high quality so they will last longer. Make use of natural sunlight, as well as natural heat and cooling.

Detox your cleaning supplies and beauty aids. My favorite book on that subject is Easy Green Living, by Renee Loux. I've found that natural soap, vinegar and baking soda take care of about 95% of all my cleaning needs.

Eat food grown as close to your location as possible. Buy Organic when possible. Hopefully you can find a farmers market, but if not, buy what is in season and grown in your area. Grow a few things yourself. Herbs are great in a window.

Answer 3

- Recycle all of your paper and plastics number 1 and 2.

- Soda cans are also good to recycle!

- Bike instead of driving places.

- Bring your own bag to the grocery store.

- Buy organic foods.

- Use biodegradable shampoos and conditioners.

Try these. I hope it works for you!

Answer 4

recycle! and dont use the ac so much this summer. put on a tank top and shorts, and youll be alot cooler.

Answer 5

What you should and are able to do can depend on where you are moving and the different services offered by your municipality.

Some cities will recycle more than others, both in quantities (the size of the bin offered) and in the types of products being recycled. Some cities will also offer composting services, recycling centers for various objects and chemicals.

So my first advice would be to contact your municipality to get the information required to do your best when it comes to disposing of wastes. No composting services offered? Why not try worm composting?

Besides that, it all comes down to being wise about power and ressource usage (don't waste water or electricity), which can be achieved both by turning stuff off and using Energy Star and other eco-friendly (low water consumption) appliances.

Oh and don't forget about using eco-friendly shampoo, soaps, and other cleaners. Your windows won't care what scent is in the product you use, and they certainly don't care about it being uncented of the new "flowery breeze" scented stuff.

Answer 6

Buy decorating items at thrift stores. You can get really creative with this and be your own artist.  

Cook once eat twice, just don't overcook so your throwing out leftovers.  Use reuseable plastic containers instead of disposable baggies. I save & reuse sour cream and yogurt type containers to send leftovers home with guests.

There are some small indoor composters on the market now. You can use the compost on the balcony/patio or in houseplants if you don't have outdoor space.