Six Easy and Inexpensive Ways Apartment-Dwellers Can Go Green

Many people today want to make an attempt to go green in their home. Expensive energy efficient and water saving appliances may be out of your league and in an apartment there are only so many changes you can make anyways, but don’t give up. There are plenty of inexpensive things you can do around your apartment to go green as well.

1. Light Bulbs

Replacing all the light bulbs in the apartment is a very quick, easy fix to get your apartment moving in the right direction to go green. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are designed to last around ten times longer than regular light bulbs. This saves many light bulbs from going in the trash but the big savings comes in how much less energy they use.

2. Thermostats

A digital thermostat can be a great way to ensure you are in control of the temperature settings in your home. By setting the thermostat on automatic setting to go up and down during the day and night automatically as needed it can save you a lot of money. Adjusting the thermostat just a couple of degrees different can add up to a lot of savings each month and you probably won’t be able to feel the difference at all.

3. Shower Head

There are many big changes you can make to save water around the house but the one really easy change you can make to save water is to change the shower head in your shower. Buy a low-flow shower head that will use considerably less water without a noticeable change in water pressure.

4. Window Treatments

Adding some window treatments that are eco-friendly and will insulate the window can save you a lot of money on your energy bill. Look for curtains or shades that state they are energy efficient. These will keep the hot air out more during the summer and will also keep the cold out more during the winter and allow you to save money on your heating and air conditioning bill.

5. Cleaning

One of the easiest ways to make a huge change around your apartment is to change the way you clean. Consider how many paper towels go in the garbage from cleaning each week. Using old rags to clean instead of paper towels and then throwing them in the wash to be reused again can make a big difference. Also, consider using green cleaning products. You can purchase cleaning products that are green or make your own using everyday products such as vinegar and water for a glass cleaner.

6. Recycle

Get motivated by starting to recycle in your apartment. Find out the rules in your apartment and what recycling venues are available in your area. If recycling is not offered in your apartment you can save up your recycling items until it is worth making a drop off. A small compost can be purchased for very little and can be used to dispose of food scraps to be put to use in other ways.