Going green in a small space?
Live green. Living in an apartment limits your space and your control over your environment. Although you can't change out your water heater or dishwasher for more energy-efficient models, you can cut your carbon footprint in other avenues. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Minimize waste by finding space for recycling. A common complaint living in apartments is the lack of space. Be creative. Stash a couple of milk crates in the trunk of your car, and store your plastic bottles and newspapers there. Or clean out the floor of a closet and stick a few bins beside your vacuum cleaner.
2. Cut back energy. Turn your heater down to 68 degrees F and your air conditioner up to 72. Better yet, open a window and turn on a fan. If you can switch out energy-guzzling appliances, do so. Don't just dump your old machine, either recycle it or sell it.
3. Trim down phantom energy. Turn off your computer after using it. Desktop PCs consume a significant amount of electricity as do TVs. Unplug TVs and audio equipment every night. Or plug them into a surge protector and turn that off when not in use. Unplug all appliances when not in use.
4. Compost if possible. If you have a yard, start a compost pile to dispose your organic waste. Let the compost decompose thoroughly, and use as fertilizer for a flower bed or herb garden. If you don't have space, try to find neighbors or family that would let you share space.
5. Cut back on water usage. Since you can't install a low-flow toilet, decrease the water level by adjusting the mechanism in the toilet tank. If you don't know how or you can't adjust the level, fill a bottle completely with water (leaving no air) and screw on the lid. Then submerge the bottle into the tank. Make sure the bottle does not obstruct the flow of the water or block the movement of the flushing mechanism. This will decrease the amount of water in each flush a little bit. If you can change your shower head, install an aerator. Do the same with your sink faucets.
6. Reuse towels and other laundry when possible. Don't be disgusting and dry off with a filthy, mildewed towel, but use it at least twice before tossing it in the hamper. This will cut back on your number laundry loads.
7. Take a reusable coffee cup or plastic cup with you when you order take-out. Many coffee shops offer discounts for supplying your own cup anyway.
8. Buy organic, fair-trade food when possible. Shop at farmers' markets and local suppliers.
9. Don't focus on buying new things to live a greener life. There are so many new green items on the market that people buy these new items thinking they are benefiting the environment, but they don't realize that they didn't even need that item, or their old item can be just as Eco-friendly with a few adjustments. Think twice before buying anything because fossil fuels were burned and materials were consumed to create it. If you don't need it, don't buy it.
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