The perfect sustainable living space is one that combines consciousness with comfort. With these tips, you can easily embark on the journey of transforming your living space into an eco-friendly sanctuary.
Energy Efficiency
There are many products out there that can make your apartment more environmentally friendly. While you can't always choose your appliances in a rental, there are always changes you can make to be more energy-efficient, like switching from incandescent light bulbs to LED ones to release less heat and toxins, using programmable thermostats and smart plugs to regulate energy consumption and prevent standby power, and sealing any cracks to reduce drafts. Consider doing an energy audit once a year to learn how you can better conserve the energy in your home.
Water Conservation
The average Canadian uses 335 litres of water a day. There are many ways you can lower that number. While you brush your teeth or wash the dishes, turn off the tap to reduce water consumption. If you notice any leaks, make sure to fix them as soon as possible as leaking water is akin to running water. These simple steps will help you save on your water bill, too!
Recycle Properly
Having a blue and grey bin in your apartment is one thing, but it’s another to know how to properly recycle certain products and why we do so. For starters, put plastic, glass, and tin items in the blue bin, while paper and cardboard products can go into the grey bin. Recycling paper and plastic helps these materials be remade into brand new items, saving our trees and oceans. Make sure to rinse off any food or liquids and break down the items into smaller pieces. If you have any old electronics lying around, take them to the proper facilities so the components can be used to help older appliances run longer.
Composting
Food scraps make up 28% of a person’s total waste. Composting them in ‘brown’ materials – like leaves, grass clippings and newspaper – helps reduce waste in landfills and can strengthen the soil in your houseplants. Almost anything organic can be composted, so familiarize yourself with the do's and don't's of composting to more efficiently get rid of organic waste.