Earth Day is coming up April 22 and we want to honor the day by sharing some easy tips to save energy and promote sustainable living in your rental property.
We have all heard it, but “Going green†starts with you.  We can each make a big difference to our planet by making simple changes our day to day habits.
Here are some small steps you can take to make a big difference to the environment (and save you money in utility costs).
- Recycle. Locate your apartment building’s recycling bin. Sort your recyclables by glass, aluminum, plastic, cardboard, paper and newsprint.
- Conduct an energy inspection. Look for windows and doors that leak air and increase your utility bill.
- Turn the lights off when you leave a room.
- Dry your clothes by hanging them up on a rack in the bathroom or laundry room. If you use a clothes dryer, clean the lint out of the lint screen inside the dryer. Remove dust from the outside dryer vents.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Buy groceries and household products made from recycled materials.
- Bring containers for bulk foods and reusable bags to carry groceries home.
Source: How to Go Green in an Apartment | eHow.comÂ
If you want to take even bigger action, here are some ideas to raise awareness and promote sustainable living in your community:
- Start a community recycling program that involves businesses, schools, libraries, government offices and residential homes.
- Make the community aware of ways to minimize their impact on the Earth by improving the environment. This can include purchasing organic products, composting organic trash, and using reusable shopping bags and water bottles. After adopting these practices, encourage community members to seek further information.
- Buy local food and goods, since they require less fuel for shipping. This also stimulates the local economy.
- Arrange neighborhood carpools to discourage release of harmful emissions into the air. Other ways to accomplish this is to walk or take public transportation.
- Give away used clothing, books and electronics to thrift stores to reduce waste and lower the need for the community to buy new products.
- Volunteer for local environmental organizations. Work with them to organize projects that clean up the community or raise awareness among citizens.
- Get involved with the local government and influence environmental regulatory decisions that will govern the community. Join campaigns to save wildlife or petition to reduce pollution. Spread awareness and interest in the cause; it may encourage friends and neighbors to get involved.