Guide to Eco-Friendly Renting: How to Live Sustainably in an Apartment in 2022 – EcoWatch

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More than one-third of U.S households are renters, and it is crucial that they are included in the conversation surrounding sustainability.1 Our eco-friendly renting guide will show both renters and landlords how they can make a difference in their communities.

In 2020, almost half of American renters were cost burdened, meaning that they spent 30% or more of their income on rent.2 As the cost of necessities like gas, food and housing rapidly increase, living sustainably may be the last thing on your mind. As a renter, you may feel like you have no control over how eco-friendly your living situation is.

But that couldnt be further from the truth. Eco-friendly upgrades in your apartment can be quick and easy, and they can even save you money with little or no initial investment. Small, daily lifestyle changes can lower your energy and water bill and reduce your environmental impact.

There are many ways that you can be more eco-friendly as a renter. Exercising sustainable practices, conserving water, being more energy-efficient and choosing a convenient location are all environmentally friendly choices that are accessible to those living in an apartment.

Composting, recycling, thrifting and buying less are all practices that renters can incorporate to enjoy a more sustainable life.

Conserving water is another easy way to save energy and even lower your water bill. As a renter, there are some easy ways that you can reduce your water usage:

As a renter, you may not be able to install solar panels or new, energy-efficient windows in your apartment. However, there are still ways to make your living space more energy-efficient, both lowering your energy bill and your environmental impact.

When deciding where to live, try to choose a building close to your most frequented locations. Ideally, you want to live somewhere with options to bike, walk or take public transit to get where you need to go. The closer you are to your job and local grocery store, the fewer miles you will have to travel, reducing your impact.

The unfortunate reality in most parts of the U.S. is that owning and driving a car is necessary to get around. Over 91% of households in the U.S. have at least one car.7 Of those who reported that their car is their primary mode of transportation, 80% reported that they have no choice but to drive as often as they do.8 More than half of car users wish they had more options.9

However, you can still minimize your emissions by planning your errands and trips to minimize your miles driven, carpool with coworkers and friends, and work from home if possible.

If you are a landlord, the choices you make for your rental units make a huge difference. Opting for eco-friendly options when renovating spaces and establishing a healthy community environment can significantly reduce your environmental impact.

You dont have to completely rebuild or overhaul your apartment units to be eco-friendly. When upgrading your units, opting for eco-friendly windows, choosing Energy Star appliances and avoiding products with VOCs make a difference to the health of your tenants and community.

Creating a healthier, more eco-friendly community starts with you as a landlord. Establishing a community garden space, encouraging a smoke-free community and adding solar panels to community spaces are all a great upgrades that benefit all of your tenants.

Ideally, every apartment complex would implement eco-friendly practices. Some apartment complexes around the country, like Mason Lofts in Nashville, Tennessee, are taking initiative to compost, audit waste, and provide eco-friendly amenities like edible gardens and bike rentals.

Other complexes, like Eco Modern Flats in Fayetteville, Arkansas, are situated in walkable areas, use only high-efficiency appliances and heating and air conditioning, harvest rainwater for community gardening and much more. Although it is refreshing to see the demand for eco-friendly spaces from renters is being realized, incorporating environmentally friendly practices into the lives of all renters still has a ways to go.

As supply chain shortages and an impending climate crisis are rapidly forcing us to adapt to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, real climate change will begin with the habits of renters. To create a healthier future for all of us, renters must change their lifestyle, and landlords must listen to and accommodate their renters.

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Guide to Eco-Friendly Renting: How to Live Sustainably in an Apartment in 2022 - EcoWatch