If you want to make a West Fargo home that supports sustainable living, you’re not alone. Because environmental awareness is at an all-time high, it is making many people change their consumption habits. They are now seeking new ways to preserve resources and reuse materials. Beyond their positive impact on the environment, these sustainable habits also impact individual consumption practices. This is why they are causing a worldwide stir. Here are ten ideas that you, as a renter, can use to start a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Avoid single-use items
It may not seem like much of a challenge, but refraining from using single-use items can be tricky. Some examples of things that are made to be used once and then thrown away would be plastic straws, paper towels, plastic cutlery, and so on. If you’re just starting, a great thing to do first is to trim 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 is can be a great start, try also opting out of plastic altogether through the use of reusable shopping bags.
3. Reuse and recycle
Many products we purchase come in containers that could be put to further use or recycled. To provide you examples, you can repurpose glass jars, boxes, and other items to become beautiful home décor. And items like cardboard, wood, aluminum, and glass can often be recycled. These are all great hacks to create a more sustainable lifestyle.
4. Only buy what you need
On top of reusing and recycling whenever you can, also consider reducing the number of items you buy or opt for bulk items with less packaging. If you only purchase what you need and try to select containers that take up less space, you can simplify your life while making it more sustainable.
5. Make your own cleaning products
A lot of cleaning products are not recyclable or biodegradable, so buying them can be a waste. Consider producing 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 gorgeous greenery to brighten and freshen any room. Houseplants not only aid in purifying indoor air, but they also contribute natural beauty to your home.
7. Utilize natural light
A great way to get sustainable, renewable energy sources is to allow more natural light into 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
Aside from turning off lights that are not being used, also consider unplugging electrical appliances when they are not being used. Televisions, game systems, lamps, and other appliances still consume 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
Achieving a consistent temperature indoors is a sustainable approach to heating and cooling your home. While there are some people who think they can save money by only using their furnace or air conditioner when they are home, trying to rapidly heat or cool a house can use up a lot of energy and put a strain on your HVAC system. And so you can try setting your thermostat maybe one or two degrees warmer in the summer or a bit cooler in winter and leave it there. This is far more efficient and energy-conscious in the long run.
10. Conserve water
Along with conserving energy, there are a lot of things you can do to save water, too. Turning off the taps while brushing your teeth, soaping up in the shower, or washing dishes are a few things you should always try to do. You should be using water-conserving appliances whenever possible, and capture and reuse water whenever possible.
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 get the sustainability you want. If you’re ready for a rental home that will better support the lifestyle you want, reach out to Real Property Management Optimum 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.
