How to Have an Environmentally-Sound First Apartment

For most recent college grads, sustainability is not the top priority for your first place. You’re mainly concerned wth location, price, and quality of life in said apartment (cleanliness, age of kitchen, and whether a washer and dryer are in the unit, for example). Unfortunately, the dream world of planned environmental design is not your reality, and that is perfectly fine. But, you can consider small details that make a big difference in the overall footprint of your first place both while you’re searching and when you have found “the one”.

Sustainability in the search

Natural lighting: When you are touring places, consider the following questions: how big are the windows? Which cardinal direction(s) do they face? Can you hang a mirror to maximize the lighting? How many light fixtures will you need to use in your place?

Natural heating & cooling: Again, which direction your place’s windows face will impact temperature changes from the sun’s energy.

Air conditioning: How do you control the AC in your future place? Does it have central or “box-in-the-window” AC?

Appliances: Are they new or old? Are they energy efficient and do they use high efficiency detergents?

Water: Is the water pressure good? Does it heat up slowly or quickly, meaning you do not have to run the water waiting for it to heat up?

Responsible Resident

Tips for green living once you’re settled in:

1. Recycle. Have a clearly designated bin or cabinet so both you and guests can recycle.
2. Air condition only as needed and not while you’re out
3. Use big appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc.) sparingly and you will benefit in multiple ways. For example, line drying clothes is much better for their longevity than the dryer. If you do use the dryer, using a reusable dryer ball instead of dryer sheets is both sustainable and healthier.
4. Limit unnecessary water use in general.
5. Unplug chargers and devices after they are fully charged. This maintains the battery power of your devices and minimizes phantom energy use. Selecting LED or high efficiency lightbulbs makes a serious impact as well.
6. Invest in a nice set of Tupperware and reduce or eliminate your use of plastic baggies for lunches or food storage. Same goes for travel- a clear, TSA approved zip pouch is perfect for liquids for all travel, whether you fly or not.

These are just a few ideas. What tips do you have? Share them in the comments section below!