Environmentally Friendly Apartments

What can I do to green the kitchen in my apartment?

The kitchen in your apartment is a place that can really benefit from a green mindset. Here you'll find several appliances that can be big energy drains. There are some ways around this if you know a few easy tricks that can result in significant appliance energy savings.

Dishwashers often have an "energy saver" cycle that can be used, and you can either open the door to let dishes dry or use the no-heat setting if your machine has one. Also, wait to run it until a full load is in there so you don't waste resources.

Even in an apartment refrigerator energy savings can add up. Avoid leaving the door open longer than necessary and make sure the coils on the back stay clean. You'll also want to keep the appliance out of the sunlight and away from the oven or dishwasher if possible. Just these minor adjustments can make a difference.

Other kitchen-related tips include unplugging minor appliances such as coffeemakers and can openers when not in use and using cloth towels in place of paper towels whenever possible to wipe up. Buying recycled napkins and using glass containers instead of plastic for leftovers are also little ways that you can go green. If you wind up buying any small appliance items for yourself, check to be sure they are ENERGY STAR rated.

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How can I make my bedroom a more environmentally friendly place?

Since a good deal of our lives are spent sleeping, it makes sense to try and create a healthy environment in the bedroom. You can do this by using natural products as much as possible. When shopping, look for things such as organic sheets and curtains and rugs made from substances such as organic wool. Not only will you be greening your apartment, but you will be supporting the eco-friendly industry as well.

The ultimate green bedroom product is probably an organic mattress, but if you don't want to indulge in this expense you can opt for a pillow top that is made out of organic materials. Eco-aware pillows are another smart bedroom choice and there are many different filler options, ranging from organic wool to organic buckwheat hulls.

If you like a little candlelight, go for soy or beeswax candles for cleaner air inside the apartment. Also pass on mothballs, which can give off strong fumes. Instead use natural cedar chips, hangers and boxes in the closet.

Going green in the bedroom means choosing environmentally friendly living products when possible and minimizing those that contain chemicals. If costs keep you from making the change all at once, you can begin incorporating organic materials as you are able. For most of us a green household isn't something that is achieved overnight, but rather something that happens over time.

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What can I do to use less natural gas?

Natural gas energy savings aren't only available to those who own a home. Knowing a few things about how to reduce this energy expense can be a benefit to anyone renting an apartment as well. Here are some terrific tips that are pretty easy to employ:

• Lower the thermostat setting when you are home and put on a sweater. It may not seem like a significant savings, but each degree adds somewhere between four and five percent more to the heating bill. If you pay heat, you'll be happy with the savings!
• Lower the setting when you will be at work or out of town. Don't go lower than 55 degrees, since pipes may freeze. Also keep in mind that you may not be able to lower it too much if you have pets.
• Make sure warm air can get out and circulate. Don't put heavy furniture or other items in front of heat registers or radiators.
• Open the curtains and use the energy from natural sunlight to help keep your apartment warm.
• Ask your landlord to repair leaky hot water faucets.
• If you have a gas-powered clothes dryer on site, make sure to do full loads and clean out the lint trap each time.

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What are some healthy environmental factors to consider in a new apartment?

Part of healthy apartment living means knowing what type of situation you will be moving into and trying to make sure it is a good one. Things such as pets, smoking, paint and mold can all be issues you'll want to address ahead of time. Here are some things to keep on your radar when choosing an apartment that will complement a healthy lifestyle:

• Are you allergic to cats or dogs? People with allergies may want to check with potential landlords to find out if pets are allowed in the building prior to signing a lease. Also, if you have any plant/pollen issues, take a quick peek around the exterior of the building to be sure there are no dangers lurking near your windows.
• Secondhand smoke is fast becoming a headline health hazard. If you don't smoke, you may want to consider paying attention to the indoor air quality when apartment hunting. If you smell cigarettes, you might want to consider that carefully before making a final decision.
• When looking at an apartment, open doors under the kitchen sink and look for black mold both there and in the bathroom. It can be dangerous, and you may want to talk with the landlord about its removal prior to accepting a place.

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