If you’re finding a Morrisville home that supports sustainable living, you’re not alone. Environmental awareness is at an all-time high. Because of this, many people are searching for new ways to preserve resources, reuse materials, and change consumption habits. Not just the positive impact on the environment, these sustainable habits also influence individual consumption practices. This is why they are gaining popularity all over the world. Here are ten ideas that may help you get started as a renter so that you can have a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Avoid single-use items
It sounds simple, but refraining from single-use items may be more of a challenge than you think. A few examples of items that are made to be used once and then thrown away would be plastic straws, paper towels, plastic cutlery, and so on. An awesome way to kick things off if you’re just starting is to cut down the amount of these products you use.
2. Opt-out of plastic bags
Plastic shopping bags are another single-use item that is taking up landfills and oceans. While recycling your plastic bags can be a nice start, why try opting out of plastic altogether? You can do this through the use of reusable shopping bags.
3. Reuse and recycle
A lot of the products we purchase come in containers that could be put to further use or recycled. To provide you with examples, you can opt to repurpose glass jars, boxes, and other items to become amazing home décor. And things like cardboard, wood, aluminum, and glass can often be recycled. These are all great ways you can use to have a more sustainable lifestyle.
4. Only buy what you need
Aside from reusing and recycling when you get the chance to, you should also reduce the number of items you buy or opt for bulk items with less packaging. If you only buy what you need and try to select containers that take up less space, you can simplify your life while transforming it to be more sustainable.
5. Make your own cleaning products
Because a lot of cleaning products are not recyclable or biodegradable, it can be a waste of resources. Consider manufacturing your cleaning products to avoid having waste (and harsh chemicals, to boot). Most items in your home can be cleaned successfully with simple ingredients and a soft rag.
6. Bring the outdoors in
Turn to pretty greenery to brighten and freshen any room. Houseplants not only aid in freshening indoor air, but they also contribute natural beauty to your home.
7. Utilize natural light
Another nice way to get sustainable, renewable energy sources is to have more natural light in your home. If possible, turn off electric lights and open your blinds and shades to provide light to your home. You can save energy while having a mood boost from the sunlight.
8. Cut down on energy use
Apart from turning off lights that are not being used, you should also unplug electrical appliances when they are not being used. Televisions, game systems, lamps, and other things still use electricity even when they are in sleep mode or turned off. By unplugging them, you can reduce your energy use as a whole while maybe saving a bit on your utility bills, too.
9. Adjust your thermostat
A sustainable approach to heating and cooling your home is to have a consistent temperature indoors. You may think you can save money by only using the furnace or air conditioner when you’re home, but trying to rapidly heat or cool a house can use up a lot of energy and put a strain on your HVAC system. Try setting your thermostat maybe one or two degrees warmer in the summer or a bit cooler in winter, and leave it there instead. This is may become more efficient and energy-conscious in the long run.
10. Conserve water
Besides conserving energy, one should also be pondering on ways to save water, too. Turning off the taps while brushing your teeth, soaping up in the shower, or washing dishes are some things you should try to do. You should be using water-conserving appliances whenever possible, and capture and reuse water whenever you can.
Being a renter doesn’t mean you can’t live a sustainable life. But the rental house you are in can either make it easier or harder to reach the sustainability you want. If you’re ready for a rental home that will better support your dream lifestyle, reach out to Real Property Management Raleigh 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.