Sustainability is a lifestyle choice that more and more people and communities around the world are choosing to adopt. For renters, living sustainably can feel like a challenge. After all, you may not have full control over your living space, and making permanent changes to your property often isn’t an option. However, there are plenty of ways renters can reduce their environmental impact and embrace eco-friendly habits that align with sustainable living.
Here are some practical tips to help renters live more sustainably without compromising comfort or convenience.
1. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Many rental properties come with standard appliances, but these may not always be energy-efficient. If your landlord allows it, consider investing in eco-friendly alternatives like an energy-efficient fridge or washer. If replacing appliances isn’t feasible, focus on smaller energy-efficient devices like LED light bulbs, smart plugs, and low-flow showerheads.
Even small changes, like using a power strip to eliminate phantom energy use or washing clothes in cold water, can reduce energy consumption.
2. Be Smart About Heating and Cooling
Energy usage from heating and cooling is one of the biggest contributors to a household’s carbon footprint. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize your impact. These practices aren’t just good for the environment – they can also lead to bigger savings on your utility bills.
- Use a programmable thermostat if possible, or manually adjust temperatures to save energy when you’re not home.
- Seal drafts with temporary weather stripping or draft stoppers.
- Use thermal curtains to keep indoor temperatures warm.
- Dress for the season instead of over-relying on your HVAC system.
3. Save Water
Water is one of our most precious resources and there are a few steps renters can take to use it wisely. Even the smallest steps can make a big difference over time.
- Fix leaky faucets or report them to your landlord as soon as possible.
- Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators. (These are inexpensive and easy to install without permanent modifications).
- Collect rainwater in a small container for indoor plant watering if you have access to outdoor space.
- Be mindful of how much water you’re using — turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or scrubbing dishes.
4. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Implementing the “3 Rs” of sustainability — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — will help you embrace that eco-friendly lifestyle. As a renter, there are several ways to adopt this principle.
- Reduce: Avoid single-use plastics by investing in reusable alternatives such as stainless steel water bottles, silicone food bags, and cloth grocery bags.
- Reuse: Give items a second life by purchasing pre-owned furniture, clothing, or décor. Platforms like thrift stores and online marketplaces make this easy.
- Recycle: Familiarize yourself with your local recycling rules and ensure you’re sorting materials correctly. If your building doesn’t have recycling facilities, advocate for their inclusion or find nearby drop-off centers.
5. Furnish Sustainably
Instead of buying brand-new furniture and decorations, consider shopping second-hand. Thrift stores, flea markets, and online platforms often offer high-quality items with plenty of life left in them. This not only reduces waste but also saves you money.
When purchasing new items, look for brands that prioritize sustainable materials, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled metal.
6. Embrace Indoor Plants
Indoor plants do more than just make your home pretty — they also improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Low-maintenance plants like pothos, snake plants, and succulents are excellent choices for renters.
If you have enough space, you could even start a small herb garden on your windowsill to reduce your reliance on store-bought, packaged herbs.
7. Limit Waste with Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals and come in single-use plastic containers. Switch to sustainable alternatives like biodegradable cleaning solutions, reusable cleaning cloths, and concentrated cleaning tablets.
If you have some time, you can also make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
These swaps won’t just reduce your environmental impact – they’ll create a healthier indoor environment by eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals.
8. Share Resources with Neighbors
Community living offers renters unique opportunities to share resources. For example, if you have a tool or appliance that you don’t use often, consider lending it to neighbors instead of letting it sit unused. Likewise, join neighborhood swap groups or borrowing networks to reduce unnecessary purchases. Building a sense of community can lead to resourceful and sustainable solutions for everyone involved.
You could go one step further and find a new property and roommates that align with your eco-friendly values. Use platforms like SpareRoom.com to find rooms for rent in Houston, New York, Boston, or anywhere else in the US.
9. Advocate for Sustainability in Your Rental
While renters may not have direct control over certain aspects of their property, you can always communicate with your landlord or property manager about sustainability improvements. Here are a few ideas to suggest:
- Installing solar panels or community-shared solar programs.
- Adding a composting station for the building or community.
- Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and appliances.
Even small updates, like adding bike racks to encourage cycling, can make a difference.
10. Choose Sustainable Transportation Options
If you live in the city, consider ditching your car. Walking, biking, or using public transport can lower your carbon footprint.
If you need a car, look into car-sharing services or hybrid and electric vehicles. Some cities even offer bike-sharing programs, making it easier to adopt sustainable transportation.
11. Be Mindful of Your Food Choices
Renters can also practice sustainability in the kitchen. Focus on reducing food waste by planning meals, storing food properly, and composting scraps (if allowed in your rental). Choose locally sourced or organic produce to reduce the environmental impact of food transportation and support eco-friendly farming practices.
Additionally, consider participating in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program or shopping at farmers’ markets to further promote sustainable food systems.
12. Make Sustainable Lifestyle Choices
Sustainability goes beyond adjusting your space. Your daily habits can actually help you reduce your carbon footprint. Here are a few additional lifestyle tips.
- Buy in bulk to minimize packaging waste.
- Support businesses that prioritize sustainability.
- Donate unwanted items instead of throwing them away.
- Educate yourself and others about sustainable practices.
13. Spread the Word
Don’t underestimate the power of awareness. Share your sustainability practices with friends, family, and neighbors. Encourage them to adopt eco-friendly habits, and consider starting a sustainability group in your community. Collaboration and shared knowledge amplify the impact of individual efforts.
Final Thoughts
Sustainability is an ongoing journey, not a one-size-fits-all solution. As a renter, you might face some limitations, but there are countless creative ways to live more sustainably. From conserving energy and water to embracing second-hand goods and advocating for eco-friendly property upgrades, even the smallest of efforts can make a meaningful impact.
