How to Live Green in an Apartment

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Updated: March 29, 2019

Just because you live in an apartment and have less control over the building you're in doesn't mean you can't live in a way that is friendly to the environment. There are still many things you can do to help.


  1. 1
    Plant a garden, even if it is only a few containers in a window or patio. Add houseplants for improved indoor air quality. Plants in the house and on the patio or balcony help to ease stress, enhance well-being and improve cooking and eating habits.  Don't have a green thumb? Start planting herbs and fast- germinating plants like zinnias and morning glories.
  2. 2
    Heat and cool green.
  3. 3
    Choose durable, energy-efficient appliances. Turn them off and unplug them when not in use.
  4. 4
    Choose furnishings and bedding to be sustainable and free of harmful materials.
  5. 5
    Conserve water, especially hot water.
  6. 6
    Choose green products for cleaning and personal care. Consult environmental ratings sites when making your decisions. [1][2]
  7. 7
    Purchase only as much food as you and your family are likely to eat before it goes bad. Store it safely, so that it stays fresh.
  8. 8
    Install efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs. Either choice can provide a similar quality and brightness of light but use a fraction of the energy of an incandescent or halogen light bulb.
  9. 9
    Weather permitting, air dry your laundry on a clothes rack. A typical electric dryer consumes about 4000W, making it one of the most power-hungry appliances there is. Air drying clothing is also quieter, and you may not have to spend as many quarters or as much time in a laundromat or laundry room.
  10. 10
    Clean your refrigerator coils once a year, for improved efficiency, and to help extend the life of your refrigerator. Defrost your freezer, if it needs it.
  11. 11
    Learn about the recycling program where you live, and separate your recycling correctly.

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      • Attend festivals that are earth friendly that consists of art goods, crafts, and many things that are made with materials that are environmentally friendly and are good on a budget.

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