Tips for Having a Green Apartment
Green apartment dwellers make better neighbors. Why such a bold statement? Frankly, it’s because it’s true. When you live in a green apartment, you are helping to make the world a better place for you and all of your neighbors. So in order to assist you in becoming a better neighbor, the following are some tips on how to have a green apartment.
Green Apartment Tip Number One
One of the easiest ways to move your apartment in the green direction is to simply turn down your thermostat. By lowering your thermostat one degree in the winter and raising it one degree in the winter, you can reduce your energy costs by almost five percent.
Green Apartment Tip Number Two
Switching out your apartment supplied showerhead with a low-flow showerhead is one of the most effective ways to conserve water in your apartment. They are inexpensive and take seconds to install and are likely to reduce your water consumption by 50%. Also, make sure you are using “green appliances” that have an energy star rating.
Green Apartment Tip Number Three
Replacing your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs is a great way to turn your apartment into a green apartment. Changing out just five of your bulbs could reduce your yearly electric bill by $100 and they will help remove greenhouse gases from the air. Whoever thought that changing light bulbs could be so rewarding?
Green Apartment Tip Number Four
Recycle, recycle, recycle. This is always the quickest way to become a little greener. If you are unsure about whether or not your apartment complex has recycling, just ask your apartment manager. If they don’t, try working with the management office to start an apartment-wide recycling program.
Green Apartment Tip Number Five
Finally, make sure that your air conditioning filter is getting changed, and checked, as often as it needs to be. Energy Star, a joint program established by the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy, recommends checking the filter monthly and having them changed at least every three months. If you haven’t seen your maintenance man in a while, you might want to give your leasing agent a friendly reminder.
