If you’re looking to create a Willow Springs home that aids and supports sustainable living, you’re not alone. Environmental awareness is at an all-time high, resulting in many looking for new practices to preserve resources, reuse materials, and change consumption habits. These sustainable habits are attaining fame worldwide for the positive impact they can have, not only on the environment but, on top of that, also on individual consumption practices. To get you going, here are ten ideas that you can enact as a renter to start a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Avoid single-use items
It sounds plain and simple, but effectively avoiding single-use items can be a concern. Plastic straws, paper towels, plastic cutlery, and so on would be examples of things designed to be used once and then thrown out. If you’re just beginning, reducing the number of these products you make use of is a good initial step!
2. Opt-out of plastic bags
Another usual single-use item typically clogging landfills and oceans is plastic shopping bags. Although recycling your plastic bags is a start, think of not using plastic by making use of reusable shopping bags as much as you can.
3. Reuse and recycle
A lot of the products we obtain come in containers that could be put to further use or recycled. For instance, repurposed glass jars, boxes, and other items can make imaginative home décor. And materials like cardboard, wood, aluminum, and glass can be recycled. These are all effective ways to make your lifestyle more sustainable.
4. Only buy what you need
Besides reusing and recycling whenever you can, take into account reducing the number of things you buy or opt for bulk items with less packaging. If you only buy what you actually need and try to pick containers that take up less space, you can simplify your life and make it more sustainable, too.
5. Make your own cleaning products
Buying cleaning products produces waste, much of which may not be recyclable or biodegradable. Look into making your own cleaning products to avoid bringing about waste (and harsh chemicals, to boot). A lot of things in your home can be cleaned properly with simple ingredients and a soft rag.
6. Bring the outdoors in
To brighten and freshen any room, turn to attractive greenery. Houseplants can not only help deodorize indoor air, but moreover, they similarly add natural beauty to your home too.
7. Utilize natural light
Another best approach to rely more on sustainable, renewable energy sources is to draw more natural light into your home. If it is possible, turn off electric lights and open your blinds and shades to brighten up your home. You’ll save energy and have a mood boost from the sunlight, likewise.
8. Cut down on energy use
Apart from turning off lights you don’t need at the moment, consider unplugging electrical appliances when they aren’t in use. Televisions, game systems, lamps, and many more continue to utilize electricity even when they are in sleep mode or turned off. Through unplugging them, you can reduce your energy use generally and maybe save a bit on your utility bills, too.
9. Adjust your thermostat
A sustainable method to heating and cooling your home is to retain and maintain a consistent temperature indoors. While a lot of people suppose they can save some dollars by only using their furnace or air conditioner when they are home, trying to swiftly heat or cool a house can consume lots of energy and put a strain on your HVAC system. Rather, try setting your thermostat possibly one or two degrees warmer in the summer or a little cooler in winter and leave it there. This is so much more efficient and energy-conscious in the long run.
10. Conserve water
On top of conserving energy, there are quite a lot of things you can do to save water. Try turning off the taps while brushing your teeth, soaping up in the shower, or washing dishes. Opt to use water-conserving appliances whenever it’s possible, and capture and reuse water whenever you can.
Being a renter doesn’t mean you can’t live a sustainable life. However, the rental house you are in could make it easy or more difficult to have the sustainability you desire. If you are ready for a rental home that will better support your favored lifestyle, reach out to Real Property Management Excellence or check out our listings online.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
