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You might think it’s tough to conserve resources living in an apartment, but it’s actually easier that you imagine. You can go green and take conservation matters into your own hands by making small changes and putting these eco-friendly tips into effect in your apartment and around your community.
Save fuel
Cutting back on car trips reduces the use of fossil fuels and the amount of pollution in a city. It’s as simple as walking, riding a bike, taking public transportation or carpooling. Start by mapping out a walking or biking route to work.
Look up local bus and train routes and start commuting via public transportation. Organize carpooling groups for your apartment community. If you are planning a move and looking for a new apartment, try to find one that is close to your office or your favorite shopping areas. Practicing energy conservation with your commute is a big step in the right direction.
Watch your water use
One of our most important natural resources ends up going right down the drain if we aren’t careful. Hundreds of gallons of water are wasted by individuals every year. Conserving water is as simple as turning off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth or washing your hair. You should also alert your apartment maintenance staff when you notice a leaky faucet or other water leak in your apartment or in community common areas. Be proactive by asking your apartment manager if you may install an energy-efficient showerhead in your bath.
Encourage energy efficiencies
There are a number of ways to go green on your own in your apartment. Make sure you turn your lights off when you’re not at home, and replace light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs that conserve energy. You can also unplug phone and battery chargers, as well as other electronics, when not in use. Even small changes make a big difference.
Remember to consult with your landlord first before you make any energy-efficient changes to permanent fixtures in your apartment.
Learn the 3 R’s
Reduce, reuse and recycle are the 3 main tenets for energy conservation. Try to work these into your daily routine. Reduce the amount of energy you use by keeping your thermostat set lower in the winter and higher in the summer. Cut down on waste by installing a water filter on your faucet instead of buying bottled water. Help your community reuse items by organizing a yard sale or swap meet to exchange used furniture, clothing and household items. And make the most of your community’s recycling efforts: you might raise awareness about recycling by recruiting volunteers to pick up recyclables door-to-door.
These are just a few of the ways you can practice conservation at your apartment and in your community. You may be able to partner with your apartment management to suggest conservation steps for your apartment community. You might even take recycling to the next level by organizing an electronics recycling drive right in your own apartment community.
